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Dear Neighbor,
In August, we held a community meeting with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to discuss the fatal crash that occurred on Burke Centre Parkway at the Chick-Fil-A entrance earlier in the summer.
Before, during, and since that meeting, hundreds of residents have contacted me to express support for eliminating the left turn from that location onto Burke Centre Parkway. I have shared those messages with VDOT and let them know that I would support that approach.
At this time, VDOT continues to study and analyze the location before making a final decision to implement any changes. I am hopeful that there will be additional information to share later this Fall.
Tax-Free Holiday This Weekend
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Virginia's Sales Tax Holiday is this weekend! Beginning Friday, October 20, at 12:01 a.m. until Sunday, October 22, at 11:59 p.m.
During the Sales Tax Holiday, you can buy certain products, in-person or online, and Virginia's sales tax is not applied.
Eligible items include:
- School supplies, clothing, and footwear.
- Hurricane and emergency preparedness products like portable generators, gas-powered chainsaws, and flashlights.
- Certain EnergyStar and WaterSense products purchased for non-commercial use like refrigerators, light bulbs, and ceiling fans.
You can read about the guidelines, purchase limits, eligible items, and more on Virginia Tax's website.
Private Trash Service Update
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In response to hundreds of complaints received last year regarding poor service by American Disposal Services (ADS), I introduced a Board Matter directing County staff to consider enforcement actions and consumer complaints against the company. This action ultimately led to a signed consent agreement between Fairfax County and ADS in October 2022, requiring them to raise pay, hire more drivers, improve customer service, and more.
I am pleased to share that this year the complaints related to American Disposal Services have decreased by 85%, and the average monthly complaint count has dropped from 150 to just 20. Thank you to all of the community members who reached out to share your experiences, County staff who have worked diligently to correct this situation, and the hardworking solid waste drivers who serve our community.
Board Opposes Withdrawal from RGGI
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At my request, the Board of Supervisors agreed to write the Governor to share our opposition to Virginia's withdrawal from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
This carbon emissions cap and trade program has brought over $15.4 million to Fairfax County for flood prevention and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income residents.
In addition, RGGI supports the County’s emissions reduction goals defined in the County’s Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan.
I’m pleased that the Board agreed to the request and sent this letter last week. Read the full letter from Chairman McKay.
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Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | |
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- Friends of Kings Park Library's Annual Fall Book Sale
- Nominations for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards Due by October 20
- Volunteer Fairfax's VolunteerFest
- FCPD's K9 Krawl 5K
- Low-Cost Animal Vaccinations and Microchips
- Mason Space Day
- Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Lecture
- Friends of Royal Lake Activities
- Best of Braddock Award Nominations
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Marian Homes' Shredding Event
- FCPA's Bat Festival
- Early Voting Happening Now
- NOVA Annandale Ceramics Program's Pottery Sale
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Friends of Kings Park Library's Annual Fall Book Sale | |
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The Friends of the Kings Park Library's Annual Fall Book Sale runs through Saturday, October 21 at Kings Park Library (9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
Books are sorted into many categories and it's easy to find something for everyone! Proceeds directly support the Kings Park Library.
The book sale hours:
- October 19, 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- October 20, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- October 21, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
During peak attendance, you may be asked to park strollers outside of the main book sale area for the safety and convenience of all shoppers. More information is available on the Library's website.
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Nominations for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards Due by October 20 | |
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Do you know an individual 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 2023 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award.
Award winners are honored for demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities. They will receive their award at a ceremony on Monday, December 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the Government Center (12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax | Conference Rooms 200/206).
The three award categories include:
- Individual
- Group
- Self-advocate
Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, October 20. Visit Fairfax County’s website for more information. If you have questions, email [email protected].
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Volunteer Fairfax's VolunteerFest | |
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This Saturday, October 21, Volunteer Fairfax will host VolunteerFest!
VolunteerFest is a community-wide day of service event with projects happening all across Fairfax County that seeks to mobilize volunteers to support nonprofits and government agencies in accomplishing wish list projects and securing donation needs.
Find volunteer opportunities for VolunteerFest. If you have any questions about how to participate, contact [email protected].
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Join the Fairfax County Police Department for their 2023 K9 Krawl 5K this Saturday, October 21 from 9:00 -11:00 a.m.
The run will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the heart of Fairfax, the Public Safety Headquarters (12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
The 2023 K9 Krawl 5K is a fantastic opportunity to bond with your four-legged pals while supporting a great cause. Whether you're a seasoned runner or enjoy leisurely strolls, this event welcomes participants of all fitness levels. Participants will walk together to show solidarity against domestic violence and promote a safe community.
After crossing the finish line, stick around for a raffle drawing. There will be plenty of opportunities to socialize with fellow dog lovers and learn about various pet-related services and products and education booths with information about resources for victims of domestic violence and animal welfare.
Parking is located at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax). You can read more or register on FCPD's Eventbrite page.
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Low-Cost Animal
Vaccinations and Microchips
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The Fairfax County Animal Shelter will hold two low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics for dogs and cats.
The first clinic is this Sunday, October 22 from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's Michael R Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax).
The second clinic is Friday, November 3, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Animal Shelter's new Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton).
Space is limited to the first 150 people in line. Get there early to take advantage of these services! No pre-registration or appointment is required, and all paperwork will be completed at each clinic.
For more information about vaccines available and additional dates, visit the Animal Shelter’s website.
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The 2nd Annual Mason Space Day will blast off this Sunday, October 22 from 3:00 - 9:00 p.m. on George Mason University’s Fairfax Campus.
This free, family-friendly event offers an exciting and engaging opportunity to learn about the technology and science behind some of the leading aerospace projects in the area. All ages are invited to learn about the latest in space exploration from those on the front lines and explore space firsthand through a tour of Mason’s Observatory.
The Honorable Charles F. Bolden, Jr., former head of NASA and former NASA astronaut who traveled into orbit four times aboard the space shuttle between 1986 and 1994, commanding two of the missions and piloting two others, will deliver a keynote address.
Meet other event attendees, explore Mason’s Fairfax campus, and visit exhibitor organizations. Food trucks will be available onsite.
Register now or learn more about Space Day.
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Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) Lecture | |
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Because an active violence event can take place anywhere in the world, the community needs to be prepared with how to respond. This lecture, on Tuesday, October 24, from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., will help participants learn about attackers, disaster response, and how to prepare for and respond to being trapped in a building during an active violence event.
The training will include a review of past events, the steps law enforcement will take to assist and limit casualties, and answer your questions. This training is open to anyone in the community, but some material may be disturbing.
This training will be in person at the West Springfield District Station community room (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield).
Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at (703) 277-2363 with further questions.
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Friends of Royal Lake Activities | |
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Fall Meeting
Mark your calendar for the fall community-wide Friends of Royal Lake (FORL) meeting on Wednesday, October 25 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at the Kings Park Library Meeting Room (9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw will share exciting news about forthcoming projects around Royal Lake. Future work days and improvement areas around the lake will also be discussed.
Trail Workday
FORL will host a trail maintenance workday on Saturday, October 28, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. and seeks volunteers. They will work on the Pommeroy Trail. Volunteers will meet at the Lakeside Park parking lot (5216 Pommeroy Drive). Students in need of service hours are strongly encouraged to participate.
Contact [email protected] with questions about either of these events or visit FORL's website.
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Best of Braddock Award Nominations | |
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Nominations for the Annual Best of Braddock Awards are open until Tuesday, October 31, at 5:00 p.m. The awards are an opportunity to recognize people and organizations working to make the Braddock District even better!
Take a moment to nominate a neighbor or organization by:
Braddock District Office
attn: Best of Braddock Nominations
9002 Burke Lake Road
Burke, VA 22015
*Mail must be postmarked by October 31*
All submissions must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 31. Only fully completed forms will be reviewed. Email [email protected] with questions.
Winners will be notified in advance of the Best of Braddock Awards Ceremony and Reception on Wednesday, December 6.
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day | |
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Saturday, October 28 is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Safely dispose of unused or expired medications between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at any of these locations:
- Mason District Station – 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale
- West Springfield District Station – 6140 Rolling Road, Springfield
- Fair Oaks District Station – 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax
For more information, visit the DEA’s website.
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Marian Homes' Shredding Event | |
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Area non-profit Marian Homes will be hosting a document shredding event at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (5121 Woodland Way, Annandale) on Saturday, October 28 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Information about the shred can be found on Marian Homes' Facebook. Donations to Marian Homes will be accepted.
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Join the Fairfax County Park Authority for the 2023 Bat Festival on Sunday, October 29, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts (1551 Trap Road, Vienna).
Celebrate the captivating world of bats, learn about the vital role they play in our ecosystem, understand the threats they face and what you can do to protect them.
Join experts Leslie Sturges and Alonso Abugattas, as they unveil the mysteries behind these creatures of the night and shed some light on the challenges they face, such as light pollution. Enjoy interactive activities for all ages and join a costume contest. Connect with organizations dedicated to bat conservation and environmental initiatives, including the Fairfax County Park Authority.
Gather your loved ones for a fun and educational afternoon celebrating the amazing world of bats. For event details and free registration, visit the Dark Skies website.
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Early Voting Happening Now | |
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Early voting for the November 7 election is underway.
In addition to the school bond referendum, ballots for Braddock District residents include elections for the House of Delegates, State Senate, County Board of Supervisors, School Board, Commonwealth's Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk of Court, and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Board.
You can vote early in person at the Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax) at the following times:
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Weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
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Saturdays (October 28, November 4) 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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Sunday (Only October 29) 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
On Thursday, October 26, an additional 13 early voting locations will open throughout the County, and will remain open until Saturday, November 4*.
*The date for the last day of early voting locations is a correction from last week's Advisory*
Prefer to vote by mail? Mail-in ballot requests for the election must be received by Friday, October 27 at 5:00 p.m. You can request your mail-in ballot online or submit a paper application. Learn about ways to request and submit a mail-in ballot on the County’s Vote by Mail page.
There’s still time to Register to Vote or update your voter registration. Learn more at the Office of Elections site.
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NOVA Annandale Ceramics Program's Pottery Sale | |
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Find a great selection of artisan ceramics at a one-day, pop-up sale on Wednesday, November 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on NOVA's Annandale Campus (8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale).
The sale will be on the first-floor patio of the CA building. The sale will be moved inside in the event of rain.
Teachers or students handcraft everything, and all proceeds benefit the Annandale Ceramics Program. There is free parking for sale customers; enter the lot from Wakefield Chapel Drive.
For more information, contact Virginia Pates at [email protected].
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