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10.01.2026
Dear Neighbor,
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This past weekend, I thought a lot about my father. He passed away more than 20 years ago, but his guidance never left me. He once told me he wouldn't always agree with my decisions, but as long as they came with heart, reason, balance and thoughtfulness, that was all that mattered. I've come back to those words more times than I can count, and since moving into public service, I’ve found that lesson showing up in the leaders who came before me. This weekend, I found it twice.
On Friday, I spent the afternoon with neighbors at the Historic Oak Hill Open House in Annandale, standing under 200-year-old boxwoods and reflecting on the weight of our shared local history, including the enslaved people whose labor built the Ravensworth plantation. Oak Hill still stands because Sharon Bulova helped lead the fight to save it from development. A 2004 historic and conservation easement protected the home and grounds for good. To me, that's what balance and heart look like together: letting a community grow while holding onto what can't be replaced. I'm grateful to Joe and Laura Braceland, the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Fairfax County Park Foundation and the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust who care for Oak Hill today and open it up to all of us each year.
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And, on Saturday, I joined the late Congressman Gerry Connolly's family, my colleagues, the Park Authority, Rep. James Walkinshaw and many friends at Lake Accotink Park to unveil new signs along the 42-mile Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. Gerry was just as comfortable at NATO as he was at a civic association meeting, and he never forgot his local government roots. He loved the County and was an expert on all things Fairfax.
He reminded me so much of my dad; brilliant, quick to laugh, loved to share a joke, and was gifted at sharing the kind of wisdom that sticks with you. The Cross County Trail was one such example of that wisdom. Gerry, during his time as Board Chairman, championed the creation of the trail after citizens had noticed a natural green line in the park, and suggested putting a trail there. As he put it, "Citizen's advocacy is really the precursor to action." Everyone who uses that trail is, in a small way, standing on his shoulders.
I've been lucky to learn from the many leaders who embodied my father's lessons: Sharon Bulova’s heart and intellect, John Cook’s thoughtful, community centered approach, and James Walkinshaw’s sound reasoning and dedication to constituents.
My father never got to see me run for office, but I like to think he'd recognize a little of himself in how I serve. I won't get every decision right, and you won't always agree with me. But I promise you this: the decisions I make as your Supervisor will come with heart, reason, balance and thoughtfulness, built on voices of the community.
I hope to see you out on the trail.
| | Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer | | |
In this issue:
- 🗨️In the Community: Photo Gallery
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🎬Committee Meeting Recap
- 👥What's Happening Around Braddock?
- 🚗Closures, Delays, and Alerts
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🏠Housing and Environment updates
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🏢Land Use
- 🍎Health and Human Services
- 💚💛Mason Matters
- 🐶Pet Adoption Corner
| | In the Community: Photo Gallery | | 9.26.26: I was honored to give remarks at the unveiling of new trail signage for the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. | | 9.25.26: Enjoying the Oak Hill Open House on a warm, sunny September evening! | | 9.26.26: I loved meeting local artists at the Burke Centre Festival! This is me with Kelly Nyman and her incredible handcrafted wood decor. | 9.26.26: It was a pleasure to meet with the Amaryllis Authors Collective at the Burke Centre Festival, and to hear the stories behind their books. | 9.27.26: At the 20th anniversary celebration of the Shepherd's Center of Fairfax-Burke! | | 9.30.26: Breaking ground at the groundbreaking, new, Willard Sherwood Health and Community Center! | | |
Recognitions:
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We recognized Chris Leonard, former deputy county executive, for his more than two decades of service to Fairfax County. Chris has spent a distinguished career expanding community resources for people of all abilities, and we are proud of all he has done to ensure the well-being of all Fairfax County residents. Thank you, Chris!
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We recognized Victor Hoskins, for his distinguished service and leadership of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (EDA). Victor has served as president and CEO of the EDA since 2019. His leadership helped secure 64,000 jobs and assisted 13,000 small businesses. Thank you for everything, Victor!
Among the many administrative items we approved on Tuesday, here are some that directly affect Braddock District residents.
Approved Administrative Items:
Admin Item #4: Accepting funding from the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services to a non-profit serving aging-in-place initiatives
- We approved an administrative matter accepting funding from the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitation Services (DARS) in the amount of $400,000, which will be passed through to the Washington Area Villages Exchange (WAVE). WAVE is a non-profit that is currently piloting a project reducing the public health risk of social isolation among older Virginians.
- This funding was included in the Virginia assembly's special session package, and the state has stipulated that the funding must pass through County.
- No local cash match is required.
Admin Item #5: Accepting a grant application from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Community Project Funding Request
- We approved a Supplemental Appropriation Resolution to accept $850,000 in grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. This grant will allow the County’s Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) to follow through on plans to renew 2.7 miles of aging publicly owned sewer pipes in the Providence, Dranesville, Hunter Mill, Mason, Mount Vernon, Sully, and Braddock districts. The period of performance is August 13, 2024, through August 31, 2032.
Admin Item #8: Authorizing a public hearing related to Accessory Living Units
- We authorized public hearings for an amendment to update Accessory Living Unit (ALU) regulations.
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The amendment will streamline the zoning process and remove unnecessary requirements. For example, it would remove the administrative zoning permit, increase the maximum occupancy of an ALU, and remove the additional parking space requirement, among other things. You can view the full list of proposed changes here (on pp. 99 and 100).
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The public hearings are tentatively scheduled to take place before the Planning Commission on October 29, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., and before the Board of Supervisors on November 17, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
| You can read through the full Board package here, or watch the video stream here. | |
The Board will reconvene next Tuesday, October 6, for its committee meetings. The following committees will meet in the Government Center Conference Rooms 10 and 11:
- Audit Committee: 9:30 a.m.
- Older Adults Committee: 11:00 a.m.
- Housing Committee: 1:30 p.m.
- General Assembly Reception/Work Program: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Find the full agenda and links to watch the committee work here.
| What's Happening Around Braddock? | |
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October is Domestic Violence
Awareness Month
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Domestic violence is a family, community and public health issue with widespread ripple effects that impacts all of us. We can prevent domestic violence by addressing the root causes of the issue - including troublesome attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, environments, and policies - while confronting the gender and racial injustices that also contribute to the problem. It will take all of us to build a peaceful and safe Fairfax County. Learn how Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is observing the month and find out how you can help raise awareness.
Click the link below to find more County resources and events for domestic violence survivors.
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Burke Volunteer Fire Department
Fire Prevention Open House
| Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. | |
The Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department invites you and your families to come to their Annual Fire Prevention Open House.
Meet your local firefighters and EMTs, check out the firehouse, and enjoy a day packed with hands-on activities, fire safety, and fun for the kids! A certain famous fire dog might also stop by!
Click the link below for all the details! We hope to see you there!
| Nominations for Best of Braddock are OPEN For One More Week | |
The Best of Braddock awards season is here!
If you know somebody making a difference, be sure to nominate them for a Best of Braddock Award. This is an exciting opportunity to recognize the changemakers and stewards of our community. This could be your chance to recognize an outstanding neighbor, so please submit a nomination before next Friday!
Please email braddockevents@fairfaxcounty.gov with questions. Award winners will be recognized at our annual Best of Braddock Awards Ceremony on the evening of November 10.
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⚡Friday, October 9: Public Hearing on Proposed Dominion-NextEra Merger
The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) is holding public hearings as part of its review of the proposed merger between Dominion Energy Inc. and NextEra Energy Inc.
Fairfax County residents will have an opportunity to provide public comment at a local hearing on Friday, October 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Board Auditorium at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway.
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🖼️Friday, October 9: Enter the Braddock District Art Competition
Braddock District Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer, in partnership with the newly created Braddock District Arts Advisory Council and ArtsFairfax, invite emerging and established visual artists from across Braddock District to showcase their unique visions in What does joy look like?: An Intergenerational Art Contest.
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🏛️Apply to Senator Pekarsky's 2027 HS Youth Leadership Program!
This program gives high school juniors and seniors the opportunity to visit Richmond during the General Assembly's legislative session and learn about political leadership on the state level.
Please note that this is a free program and students will be provided with transportation, lodging, and meals at no cost to them or their families.
| | Closures, Delays, and Alerts: Oh My! |
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Personal property taxes are due October 5.
- Save gas and time by paying online, which is quick, easy and free when you use an e-check.
- New this year: Self-pay kiosks at four locations across the county, which accept cash, check, credit and debit card payments.
| ⚠️Alert: Multi-Week Survey and Inspection Project Near Americana Drive | |
There will be a multi-week survey and inspection project at the stormwater pond adjacent to Americana Drive and Patriot Drive, in Annandale. This work will allow the Fairfax County Department of Public Works to develop proposed improvements.
Contact project manager Ganesh Thapa at (703) 223-1362 or ganesh.thapa@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions.
| Affordable Housing Waitlist Opens October 5 |
- Project-Based Voucher waitlist applications open October 5 at 8:00 a.m. for new properties Telestar Court in Falls Church and The Exchange at Spring Hill Station in Vienna.
- Applying to the PBV waitlist does not limit applicants to these properties.
- The waitlist closes Sunday, October 11, at 11:59 p.m.
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Braddock Land Use and Environment (BLUE) Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Parkway
Tentatively scheduled for Conference Room 8
Fairfax, VA, 22035
The agenda for this meeting will be shared in next week's newsletter.
All interested members of the community are invited to attend the meeting in person, or to participate in the meeting virtually at this link or by dialing in to (571) 429-5982, Phone Conference ID: 730 922 969#.
| Health and Human Services | Next Week is Fire Prevention Week! | |
Fire Prevention Week is October 4 through 10, 2026. This year's theme, "Charge Into Fire Safety. Safe Charging Is a Superpower", focuses on the everyday safety habits that can help reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires and keep homes and communities safer.
Celebrate this week at the Burke Volunteer Fire and Rescue Open House. Information at the beginning of this email!
| | Local Business Wins George Mason Marketing Scholarship | | Hopper Consulting, a local veteran owned business, has won George Mason's Inaugural NOVA's Small Business Marketing Scholarship. George Mason University through its many programs has helped promote entrepreneurship, innovation, and local businesses within Fairfax County. | | |
When you're adopting King Koopa, would you expect him to be anything less than 96lbs of love?
Bowser is a big sweetheart - he won't kidnap any princesses, he'll just ask them for treats. And he doesn't want to conquer the mushroom kingdom, just his bed. Bowser has previously shared a home with young children. While he's never lived with another dog, we're told he does great with dogs smaller than him. Bowser can be rough when he's playing with dogs similar in size, so either way, we recommend bringing any resident canines along for a meet and greet to help ensure compatibility.
Here in the shelter, Bowser has been somewhat anxious, but this is a brand-new environment for him. Do you have room in your home for a big boy? Bring your whole household to meet this handsome guy!
If Bowser seems like the pet for you, find out more about him and the adoption process at this link.
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If you read this far, email us the answer to the following riddle and you'll have made our day :)
I have branches, I'm full of green, but no fruit, trunk or leaves. What am I?
| | Follow Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer on
Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin, Bluesky, and 'X.' | | | | |
