05.25.2026



Dear Neighbor,

Today is Memorial Day, a time for us to honor and remember those who sacrificed their lives to protect and defend our freedoms. Arlington Cemetery is holding its National Memorial Day Observance to honor our nation’s fallen service members, which you can attend or watch the live stream, as well as the National Memorial Day Parade on Constitution Avenue. 

Locally, several of our communities hold annual observances. The Burke Centre Conservancy and the VFW host their annual ceremony on the Conservancy grounds. The Country Club View neighborhood in Fairfax holds a ceremony as well.

My office participates in an additional, and very special, upcoming memorial event in the Braddock District. Soldiers of Howrey Field Park Day honors six soldiers from Fort Belvoir who we lost in an incident during the days of the Vietnam War. On June 1, 1967, these soldiers from the 77th Engineer Port Construction Company perished while assigned to a community service project. The soldiers were working to provide a baseball field for the local Little League at the Howrey Field athletic complex in Annandale. They died when a flagpole they were erecting was hit by a gust of wind and contacted a high-voltage power line. All the men were under 25 years of age.

Although they did not die in combat, the soldiers gave their lives in service while constructing an amenity that the community continues to enjoy today. On June 1 at 5:30 p.m., local organizers and representatives will hold a ceremony at Howrey Field (5100 Glen Park Rd). You are welcome to join us to honor the six soldiers. Their names were:

1. PVT. Paul D. Briggs (Waco, TX) 
2. PVT. Anthony B. Evans (Uniontown, PA) 
3. PFC. Marvin D. Harrison (Jacksonville, FL) 
4. PVT. Charles R. Oliver (Vermillion, OH) 
5. SPC. 4 Kenneth G. Steiner (St. Anne, MO) 
6. PVT. Charles M. Whaley (Aberdeen, OH) 

Braddock Bark

Our 5th Annual Braddock Bark Dog Festival is coming up on May 30! We'll have lots of fun dog activities such as a doggy splash zone for the dogs who love to play in the water or just want to cool off, a coloring table and a face painting table for families with small children, giant board games, and even raffles for some extra special dog toys and accessories. Last but not least the famous luring dog chasing activity will take place throughout the event!



I’m also very excited for the many adoption opportunities this year at Braddock Bark! The Fairfax County Animal Shelter as well as A Forever Home Rescue Foundation, Inc. will have plenty of adorable friends ready to find a new home.

Among the many vendors, we’ll be hosting Bella’s Blissful Keepsakes, Treats and Triumphs Dog Training, Pender Veterinary Centre, the Animal Alliance, the Veterinary Holistic Center, and the Colonial Animal Hospital, providing wonderful services and information for all attendees.

It wouldn’t be a party without some good food! Braddock Bark will be featuring two food trucks at the park entrance. Taha production will be service tasty, hot food for those who want a bite to eat, and La Sazon de Juanito will be providing snow cones and desserts for those with a bit of a sweet tooth.

Join us at Lake Accotink Park (best access from the Heming Avenue entrance) May 30 between 1:00 - 4:00pm. If you're looking for a fun activity for your dog, or you're interested in adopting one, or if you just like dogs, there's something for everyone!

In Service,

Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer

In this issue:

• Notes from the Boardroom
• Traffic Advisory - Commencement Ceremonies at EagleBank Arena
• Upcoming Events and Opportunities
• Community Happenings
• Education Updates
• Environment & Parks
• Human Services
• Public Safety
• Resources for Older Adults & Caregivers
• Transportation Updates

Notes from the Boardroom

FPCS High School Shark Tank Tech Challenge 

Congratulations! Fairfax County recently honored the finalists of the High School Shark Tank Technology Challenge, recognizing student teams from across the region for their innovative solutions aimed at improving the lives of older adults and individuals with disabilities. The annual competition brings together students from Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City to design creative technology-based tools that promote independence, accessibility, and quality of life.



This year’s winners included students from The Madeira School, whose project “RapidX” earned first place for its wearable device designed to give paramedics instant access to critical patient information, helping improve emergency response times. From Woodson High School in the Braddock District, Logan Lee, Mayu Zuniga and Lucas Shen won the Third Place prize for their N1 Glasses which portray sound as visual indicators to increase awareness for the deaf and hard of hearing.

Other recognized teams from schools including Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, McLean High School, Langley High School, Centreville High School, and Herndon High School were also celebrated for their innovation and problem-solving skills. 

Additional Board Actions:

The Board presented the annual Transportation Achievement Awards to the County's ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan Team for their thoughtful and practical application of the plan for both implementing the pedestrian & bicycle improvements around the Braddock District, and for their work in developing the overall Active Transportation and Trails Plan, which the Board adopted on May 5.

Also:

• The Board approved administrative items such as the authorization of public hearings on proposed code amendments and operational matters, grant-related items, and a traffic safety measure.
• The Board approved the County's housing and community development planning documents for FY 2027–FY 2031, informing the public and the federal government about our housing and community development plans, and about how we intend to invest federal funds to support housing and related needs.


For the full Board Meeting package and upcoming meetings, visit the Board meetings website.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

Now through June 17: Traffic Advisory - Commencement Ceremonies at George Mason University (view the complete list of upcoming ceremonies)

May 30:

• Marian Homes Free Document Shredding Event at Nativity Catholic Church 6400 Nativity Lane, Burke VA 22015, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Lawn equipment exchange event at Ace Hardware in Fairfax, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
• Braddock Bark, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park

June 1:

• Soldiers of Howrey Field Park Day, 5:30 p.m. at the field
• Public Meeting on the Shirley Gate Road Extension project, 7:00 p.m. at Willow Springs Elementary

June 6:

• Americana Drive Clean UP event, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
• Open House on Smaller Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Kings Glen Elementary

Rachna in the Community

Thank you to the Braddock District Council of Community Associations for inviting me to kick off their annual legislative update on May 21! It was good to hear from Senator Stella Pekarsky and Delegates Vivian Watts, Kathy Tran, and Laura Jane Cohen about what they have been working on in the General Assembly.

Community Happenings

Commission for Women Meeting – Operations Committee

The Fairfax County Commission for Women Operations Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 26 from 6:30–7:30 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, Room 7, located at 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax. Community members are welcome to attend either in person or virtually through Microsoft Teams. The meeting will include committee business and discussions related to advancing opportunities and resources for women and girls in Fairfax County.

Residents interested in obtaining meeting materials or requesting ADA accommodations may contact Alexandra Hernandez at (703) 324-9897.

For more information, visit the County Calendar.

I-95 Landfill 5-Megawatt Solar Array Ribbon-Cutting May 28

Fairfax County is set to celebrate the opening of its new solar array, a major milestone in our county’s commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. Built across 37 acres of closed landfill (roughly the size of 28 football fields) the project is expected to generate enough clean energy to power approximately 1,000 homes while saving the county nearly $12 million over the course of a 30-year partnership. Fairfax County is also the first locality in the Commonwealth to begin construction of a solar array on the grounds of a closed landfill, demonstrating an innovative use of previously unused land. Over the next three decades, the solar array is projected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by an estimated 136,000 metric tons, advancing the county’s long-term climate and environmental goals.

ArtsFairfax Accepting Applications for FY27 Project Support Grant

ArtsFairfax Project Support Grants support projects by Fairfax-based arts organizations that take place in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. Project Support Grants are awarded in four grant subcategories, including Arts in Education, Opportunity, Partnerships, and Arts Access.

Organizations based in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church may be eligible to apply. Visit the ArtsFairfax website for details. Please contact grants@artsfairfax.org for additional information.

Application Deadline: July 15, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.

A Grant Information Session will take place on Zoom on Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. ArtsFairfax Grants Staff will review eligibility requirements, grants guidelines, and the panel and award process. Applicants are not required to attend.

Marian Homes Free Document Shredding Event 

Residents are invited to attend the Marian Homes Free Document Shredding Event on Saturday, May 30, from 10 a.m. to noon at Nativity Catholic Church. This free community event offers a safe and secure way to dispose of sensitive documents, old paperwork, and confidential files while helping protect against identity theft and fraud. The event is open to everyone, and donations are graciously accepted to support Marian Homes and its ongoing community efforts. Thank you for helping keep our Braddock community safe, secure, and supported.

Library Events

Come and partake in the wonderful activities taking place in the Kings Park and Burke Centre Libraries this week.

A full listing of library activities throughout Fairfax County may be found on the Library Calendar.

Kings Park Library Featured Event

Lifelong Learning Series - Grandparents Guide to Summer Library Resources

Are you a grandparent caring for your grandchildren this summer and looking for local things to do with them? Join us for a one-hour afternoon program designed to introduce grandparents to the wealth of library resources and free services available for summer fun and learning.

Discover options for enjoyment, from story times and craft programs to digital resources like ebooks, educational games, and streaming services. This session will cover how to access kid-friendly online tools and navigate library events.

Come learn how the library can support your special role as a grandparent this summer!

Open to adults, registration is required.

Date:

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Time:

2:30pm - 3:30pm
Location:

Kings Park Library Meeting Room
9000 Burke Lake Rd, Burke VA 22015

Burke Centre Library Featured Event

LEGO Club

Calling all LEGO lovers! Drop in after school to create and build with LEGO bricks. Meet others who love building creations as much as you! Ages 6-12.

Date:

Tuesday, May 26, 2026

Time:

12:30pm - 1:30pm
Location: Burke Centre Library Meeting Rooms 116-117 
5935 Freds Oak Rd, Burke, VA 22015

Meet Snowy!

Snowy is a stunning mature lady who is such a CAT -- curious, sweet, and just a wee bit sassy. Snowy is going to bring a lot of love and laughter to your life.

She is so ready to get out of the shelter and back into house cat life -- napping in the sunny spots, begging for treats, and being the center of your universe. If you are looking for a new furry bestie, stop by and meet our girl Snowy!

This pet is eligible for an Adoption Audition! What is an Adoption Audition? It's a 14-day, no-strings-attached, trial adoption period. You can take this pet home to try it out! Interested? Come to the shelter any time during open hours and talk to one of our Customer Care staff!

This cat is located at our Michael R. Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) Come in during our open hours! Both Shelter locations are open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, visit the Animal Shelter website.

Education Updates

Apply for Congressman Walkinshaw's Youth Leadership Council

Applications are now open for Virginia’s 11th District 2026 Youth Leadership Council!

This is an opportunity for high school students in grades 9–12 across VA-11 to join the Congressman and his team for conversations about leadership, public service, and the issues shaping their lives and communities.

For details and to apply by June 30, visit Rep. Walkinshaw's website.

Youth Summit on Conflict Resolution

Do you know a high school student ready to tackle today’s toughest challenges? Join George Mason for a four-day, overnight Youth Summit where high school students from across the country come together to collaborate, problem-solve, and spark real impact. Together, students will connect over shared interests, engage in meaningful dialogue, and gain fresh perspectives on the issues shaping our world.


This summit is hosted by the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution. 


Learn all the details and apply! Space is limited. 

Environment & Parks

Fairfax County Park Authority Honors Service Members with Free Activities on Memorial Day

This Memorial Day, the Fairfax County Park Authority is honoring the service and sacrifice of our nation’s veterans and active-duty military members by offering complimentary activities and park amenities on Monday, May 25.

Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families can enjoy free access to Fairfax County Rec Centers, including pools, fitness rooms, gyms, courts, and drop-in fitness classes, as well as complimentary camping at Lake Fairfax Park and wagon rides at Frying Pan Farm Park. This meaningful gesture is a small way for our community to say thank you to those who have served our country and protected our freedoms. Valid military identification is required for participation.

Open House on the Lake Accotink Preservation Study

Join Department of Public Works & Environmental Services, and the Park Authority to learn the current status of the feasibility study on the preservation of a smaller Lake Accotink. The County will provide information about the ongoing Preservation Feasibility Study, and Park Authority representatives will provide an update on the Dam Assessment.

Open House Saturday, June 6, 2026
Time: 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
Location: Kings Glen Elementary School, 5401 Danbury Forest Drive, Springfield, VA 22152.

Staff will provide updates to the community on the dam’s condition and on results from the sedimentation studies, and will solicit community feedback.

·       Plenty of Parking Available

·       Wheelchair Accessible

·       Activities for children during the event

·       Light Refreshments Provided

To Learn More, visit the Public Engagement Website.

National Trails Day

Fairfax County is inviting residents to celebrate National Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, by exploring the incredible network of trails and outdoor experiences that make our community so special. From scenic hikes and guided nature walks to family-friendly activities at parks across the county, National Trails Day is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature, support trail stewardship, and enjoy the beauty of Fairfax County’s parks and open spaces.

Residents can also celebrate the opening of a new trail improvement project connecting the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail and Accotink Stream Valley Park, highlighting the County’s continued investment in accessibility, recreation, and environmental preservation (June 6, 1:00 p.m. at Brookfield Park, 7217 Floyd Ave, Springfield). Whether you enjoy walking, biking, birdwatching, or simply spending time outdoors with loved ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy this June. 

Stay Local: Your 2026 Summer Starts at Fairfax County Parks

Summer fun is closer than you think! The Fairfax County Park Authority is encouraging residents to stay local this summer by taking advantage of the incredible experiences available right here in our community. From mini golf, carousel rides, and miniature train rides to kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic outdoor adventures, Fairfax County parks offer something for every age and interest.

Families can explore favorites like Burke Lake Park, Lake Accotink Park, Clemyjontri Park, and Riverbend Park while enjoying affordable, family-friendly activities all season long. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon outdoors or a full day of adventure, our parks are a wonderful way to make lasting summer memories close to home.

Guide to Tick Prevention

• There are three tick species regularly found in Fairfax County that bite people.
• Some tick bites can transmit pathogens or cause other health conditions — prevent tick bites to help protect yourself.
• Learn how to properly remove a tick.
• The Health Department offers a free tick identification service.

Learn more at this County News post.

Human Services

Cooling Assistance Available

Several programs are available for residents who need help staying cool during the summer months.

The Senior Cool Care Program provides additional cooling at home by providing air conditioning units, window air conditioning units or fans for eligible older adults, age 60 and older. The program runs May 1 through October 31, 2026. If you are interested in learning more about the program, please call the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resources Line at (703) 324-7948.

The Cooling Assistance Program is eligible to households where at least one household member is 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration. 

Cooling Assistance can help with payment of electric bills, repair of air conditioning components, purchase of fans, or purchase and installation of window A/C units.

Applications can be submitted online, by phone, by mail, or in-person. Visit the Cooling Assistance Program website for details.

Affordable Rental Housing Waitlist Applications Open June 1

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will be accepting waitlist applications for Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units located at The Exchange at Spring Hill Station Monday, June 1, 2026, through Sunday, June 7, 2026.

Households with a Project-Based Voucher typically pay up to 35 percent of their adjusted monthly income towards rent while the FCRHA pays the remaining portion of the rent to the owner.

Learn about how to apply at the FCRHA website.

The FCRHA offers many affordable housing programs, and not all require waitlist applications – in fact, people can apply directly to some properties. Use the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) search tool to get more information.

Recent and Upcoming Changes to SNAP and Medicaid Benefits

Several changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility and requirements went into effect at the end of 2025 and there are changes coming soon to Medicaid. Changes to SNAP include requiring proof of common expenses in order for them to count towards an income deduction, expanding the populations who must meet the work requirement, and more limitations to SNAP eligibility for non-citizens. Medicaid will have a new Community Engagement requirement, as well as eligibility changes for non-citizen adults and six-month renewals for certain adults. Learn more at the County's Department of Family Services website.

If you would like to schedule an information session about these changes, complete the Outreach Request Form. 

Learn about free or low-cost healthcare services in Fairfax County for people not eligible for Medicaid.

For complete details about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) policies visit the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

If you think you may be eligible for SNAP and/or Medicaid, you can apply online at CommonHelp or contact the Enterprise Call Center at 1-833-522-5582. Language assistance is available. Learn more about how to apply for benefits.

Public Safety

Upcoming Class at the West Springfield Police Station

Landscaping, Lights and Locks: May 27

Now that you’ve wrapped up your spring gardening and lawn care, it’s a great time to start thinking about the security of your property. 

Landscaping, Lights, and Locks is a 45-minute presentation designed to provide practical, easy-to-apply tips to help improve your home’s security. 


📅 Date: Wednesday, May 27

⏰ Time: 6:30 PM

📍 Location: West Springfield District Station Community Room

6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA

No registration is required.

If you have any questions prior to the class, please feel free to contact Tony Capizzi at Anthony.capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov or (703) 277-2363.

Resources for Older Adults 
& Caregivers 

Training Session: Exploring Dimensions of Aging

This unique opportunity allows participants to “see through the eyes” of older adults is available through a new virtual training series called Exploring the Dimensions of Aging through Virtual Reality. The training series was developed by Embodied Labs and simulates what it is like to be an older adult encountering various challenges in everyday situations.


75-min facilitated virtual sessions focus on how social isolation impacts an older adult, learning about the early signs and progression of Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease, how to navigate caregiver burnout, and much more.


Registration is required to attend the training session


Upcoming sessions:

• May 26 and June 9 - The Clay Lab: End of Life Conversations
• June 5 - The Dima Lab: Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's Disease
• June 23 - The Beatriz Lab: Alzheimer's Disease

Have questions? Call (703) 324-5374, TTY 711.

Transportation Updates

Shirley Gate Road Extension Project Public Meeting June 1

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a public meeting to discuss the latest developments regarding the Shirley Gate Road Extension Project at 7 p.m., Monday, June 1, 2026, in the cafeteria of Willow Springs Elementary School, 5400 Willow Springs School Road, Fairfax.

Staff will provide an overview of the proposed design and discuss next steps with the project, specifically land acquisition activities. There will be a question-and-answer period following the presentation.

The project will extend Shirley Gate Road from the T-intersection at Braddock Road south to the Fairfax County Parkway with the construction of a two-lane road and additional bicycle and pedestrian amenities. The extension of Shirley Gate Road will provide another option from northbound Fairfax County Parkway to I-66 eastbound.

For more information, visit the Shirley Gate Road Extension webpage.

VDOT Seeks Public Comment on Landscape Design Guidelines

The Virginia Department of Transportation has posted its Landscape Design Guidelines for review and public comment by June 7, 2026. The VDOT Landscape Design Guidelines provide policy statements for landscaping within rights-of-way owned by VDOT. 

View the guidelines and associated documents on the VDOT website.