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Dear Neighbor,
At this week's Board meeting, I was proud to present the proclamation recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fairfax County with Chairman McKay and Providence District Supervisor Palchik. The proclamation rededicates our County to the important work of ending domestic violence and protecting survivors.
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We were joined by Jaya Nelliott, a Board Member of Ashiyanaa, a non-profit providing support services to South Asian women and children impacted by domestic violence in the Greater Washington area.
One in four women and one in ten men will experience sexual, physical, or psychological violence from an intimate partner in their lifetimes. Additionally, nearly all domestic violence survivors face financial abuse, creating an increased risk of violence and adding obstacles to safety. In FY23, Fairfax County Police responded to more than 3,700 domestic violence-related calls and 45% of homicides were domestic violence related.
As I complete my term as Chair of our Council to End Domestic Violence, I'm proud of the progress being made through our coordinated community response. We are expanding life-saving programs like the Lethality Assessment Program, increasing the reach of our Domestic Violence Action Centers, and facilitating community conversations around interpersonal violence.
13 More Early Voting Sites Open
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Election Day is rapidly approaching, and early voting efforts are ramping up.
Early In-Person Voting
Today, 13 satellite voting sites opened across the County for residents to access convenient locations if they want to vote early, including at Burke Centre Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke), and the West Springfield Governmental Center (6140 Rolling Road, West Springfield). Voting at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax) is also still available.
In-person early voting is available through Saturday, November 4. Voting will be available this Saturday, October 28, and Sunday, October 29. For information on early voting hours, visit the Office of Elections' website.
Mail-In Voting
The last day to request a mail-in ballot is tomorrow, Friday, October 27, by 5:00 p.m.
You can request your mail-in ballot online or submit a paper application. Learn about ways to request and return a mail-in ballot on the County’s Vote by Mail page.
What is on the Ballot?
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.
Confirm your precinct and view a sample ballot before heading to the polls. Learn more about early voting on the Office of Elections website.
Lake Accotink Playground Ribbon Cutting
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Earlier this year, the playground at Lake Accotink Park was closed due to safety concerns associated with aging equipment and the inability to source new parts due to the original manufacturer going out of business. With the support of Chairman McKay and Franconia District Supervisor Lusk, I was able to secure $300,000 in funding for a new playground in the FY 2023 budget process.
Construction of the new playground began in early September and final inspections were completed last week.
The new playground will officially open with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting next Thursday, November 2, at 5:00 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park (7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield). I will be joined by Chairman Jeff McKay, other Board members, and staff from the Park Authority for this special event.
As the parent of a toddler, I know how important our playgrounds are to the community. I look forward to seeing you and your families at the new playground.
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Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | |
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- Best of Braddock Award Nominations
- Lorton Police Station and Animal Shelter Grand Opening
- National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
- Public Comment Needed on Regional Affordable Housing Funding
- Friends of Royal Lake Trail Workday
- Marian Homes' Shredding Event
- FCPA's Bat Festival
- Congressional App Challenge
- LLI's November Forum
- Low-Cost Animal Vaccinations and Microchips
- Early Voting Available Until November 4
- Loss Support Programs
- NOVA Annandale Ceramics Program's Pottery Sale
- Dementia Caregiver's Conference
- Youth Leadership Conference
- Americana Drive Clean-Up
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Best of Braddock Award Nominations | |
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Nominations for the Annual Best of Braddock Awards are open until this 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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Lorton Police Station and Animal Shelter Grand Opening | |
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Join the Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Department of Animal Sheltering this Saturday, October 28, for the Grand Opening of the new co-located Lorton Police Station and Animal Shelter (8855 Lorton Road, Lorton) from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
The 23,000-square-foot facility is the second County-operated shelter, significantly expanding the geographic reach and impact of the Animal Shelter's work.
The new location will not only allow more families to adopt, but also provide a hub for essential services, including behavior and training support, veterinary medical care, pet supplies, and other critical services that help keep pets with their families.
Some of the facility's features include:
- 44 double-sided dog kennels and 42 cat condos
- A state-of-the-art veterinary clinic
- Facility-wide specialized airflow to reduce disease transmission
Read more about the facility or the event on the Animal Shelter's website.
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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day | |
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This 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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Public Comment Needed on Regional Affordable Housing Funding | |
Friends of Royal Lake Trail Workday | |
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The Friends of Royal Lake (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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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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Congressional App Challenge | |
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Every year, members of Congress challenge students in their Districts to create and submit their original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge. The Congressional App Challenge allows high school students to be more engaged in coding in their Congressional District.
U.S. Representatives publicly recognize their District’s winning teams, and each winning app may be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for up to one year. Winning apps are eligible to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building and featured on the House of Representatives' website. Winning students are invited to Capitol Hill for a reception.
Visit the Congressional App Challenge website or register before the November 1 deadline.
View the 2022 winning apps from Congressman Don Beyer’s (VA-08) and Congressman Gerry Connolly’s (VA-11) Districts. Contact Zeena Saliba (VA-08) or Fatima Malik (VA-11) for more information and questions.
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The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI), a senior learning center for adults over the age of 50, will hold its monthly forum (and the last one of 2023) exploring the history of Fort Hunt Park in Alexandria, with Daniel Blier of the National Park Service. The forum is next Wednesday, November 1, at 10:00 a.m. at the Little River United Church of Christ (8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale).
This program is part of the LLI’s free monthly Forum Series held the first Wednesday of each month (except December) and is open to the community. More information can be found on LLI's website.
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Low-Cost Animal Vaccinations
and Microchips
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The Fairfax County Animal Shelter will hold alow-cost vaccination and microchip clinics for dogs and cats on 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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Early Voting Available
Until November 4
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In-person early voting is available for voters registered in Fairfax County and an additional 13 early voting locations have opened throughout the County, and remain open until Saturday, November 4.
Confirm your precinct and view a sample ballot before heading to the polls.
Hours for Early Voting Sites in or Near Braddock District:
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Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax - Conference Rooms 2/3)
- Weekdays | 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- 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.
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Burke Centre Library (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke) and West Springfield Governmental Center (6140 Rolling Road, West Springfield)
- Weekdays | 1:00 - 7:00 p.m.
- Saturdays (October 28, November 4) | 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday (Only October 29) 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Prefer to vote by mail? Mail-in ballot requests for the election must be received by tomorrow, 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 (including the County's ballot dropbox) on the County’s Vote by Mail page.
Learn more about early voting on the Office of Elections website.
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Since 1976, Haven of Northern Virginia, a non-profit, non-sectarian community organization of trained volunteers, has offered emotional support to the bereaved, the seriously ill, the dying, and their families and friends.
Parent Loss Workshop
Haven is offering a free Parent Loss Workshop on Saturday, November 4 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The death of a parent can be numbing and devastating – you may have feelings of sadness, loneliness, and abandonment. No one can heal your pain; however, Haven of Northern Virginia offers comfort, support, and encouragement. Attend this workshop to learn ways to cope after this difficult experience.
Space is limited, register by calling (703) 941-7000 or send an email to [email protected].
Suicide Loss Support Groups
Haven offers virtual and in-person Suicide Loss Support Groups on the first, second, and third Saturdays of each month. These groups are open to those who have had a loved one die by suicide and offer participants information and suggestions for handling the complexities of grief that follow a suicide.
- The virtual Suicide Loss Group meets on the first and third Saturday of each month from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Register for this group by calling (703) 941-7000.
- The in-person group is held on the second Saturday of each month at Haven of Northern Virginia (4606 Ravensworth Road, Annandale). No registration is required.
For more information on any of the programs Haven offers, or about the organization, visit Haven of Northern Virginia's website.
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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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Dementia Caregiver's Conference | |
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The Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium has been educating caregivers since 1986 and hosts an Annual Caregiver's Conference which is the largest dementia conference in the region specifically for family and professional caregivers.
This year's conference is on Friday, November 10, from 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
The theme for this year's 37th Annual Conference is "When Caregiving Calls: Building a Framework for Resilience".
The keynote speaker is Dr. Aaron Blight, an international speaker and consultant on caregiving, aging, and healthcare, and the founder of Caregiving Kinetics.
Attend to become better prepared to provide care and support at home or in a facility, learn new ways to engage individuals with dementia, and visit with local exhibitors who offer supportive services.
The conference is at the Korean Central Presbyterian Church (15451 Lee Highway, Centreville).
To learn more about the conference, sessions, itinerary, and speakers, or to register, visit the Department of Family Services website or call (703) 578-7431.
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Youth Leadership Conference | |
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Calling all high school juniors and seniors!
Join Leadership Fairfax for the Youth Leadership Network Annual Conference on Saturday, November 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Leadership Fairfax at the Virginia Tech Falls Church Campus (7054 Haycock Road, Falls Church).
The conference will feature training sessions and experiences for high school juniors and seniors interested in improving their leadership skills, building stronger communities, and creating a more equitable future.
Collaborators can sponsor an experience, facilitate training sessions, and engage in various ways to help support the development of the leaders of the metaverse.
Register today!
If money is a barrier to a teen wanting to attend this conference, reach out to the closest NCS community/teen center for registration assistance.
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The Fairfax County Restoration Project (FCRP) will be hosting a Clean Up event along Americana Drive on Veteran's Day (Saturday, November 11) from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
If you're interested in volunteering, you can sign up on FCRP's website.
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