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Dear Neighbor,
It's hard to believe that it is almost 2024!
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As I write this final Advisory of the year, I'm reflecting on the progress and successes the Braddock District and Fairfax County had this year.
I am thankful to everyone who has reached out with an issue, attended an event or meeting, or stopped by to learn more about the Braddock District Office. Representing you and your families is an honor, and I am grateful for every interaction with residents!
Long Bridge Funding
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Earlier this month, I joined federal, state, and local leaders to announce a $729 million investment awarded through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program to advance the Long Bridge expansion project. This investment will add capacity and open up the biggest rail chokepoint on the East Coast.
This project and others that are part of Transforming Rail in Virginia will be a game-changer for the Virginia Railway Express (VRE), allowing us to expand service and capacity as our region grows. As Chair of VRE's Operations Board, I've been working to gain approval for the system's first-ever Saturday service, which could begin in 2024. VRE is now on its way to being a full-service railroad, serving commuters, tourists, and anyone looking to experience all that our region has to offer.
Neighborhood College 2024
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In partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, I am proud to once again sponsor Fairfax County’s Neighborhood College program.
Neighborhood College is a free six-session certificate program open to Braddock District residents of all ages to learn more about where they live, and how they can become more civically engaged residents.
The sessions will feature guest speakers, interactive activities, breakout room discussions, networking opportunities, and information about advisory boards and other volunteer opportunities. Neighborhood College is committed to providing participants with a valuable and enriching experience.
During the six sessions, Neighborhood College graduates will:
- Learn how Fairfax County Government works and how to get involved
- Understand demographic profiles and trends within a community context
- Explore topics that impact the well-being of neighborhoods and communities
- Apply principles and strategies for inclusive community engagement and outreach
- Enhance leadership and problem-solving skills to improve neighborhood livability
Additional information including the syllabus, session details, and more will be available in early January. If you'd like to participate, please fill out the interest form.
For more information about Neighborhood College, please reach out to my office at braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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As we celebrate the holiday season, the Braddock District Office will be operating with reduced staffing and may not be able to fulfill all walk-in requests. Please contact us ahead of time to schedule notary services between now and January 2. | |
Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw | |
Please share the newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news & updates. | |
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Continue reading below for more information on:
- Holiday Safety and Security
- 13th Annual Adopt-A-Soldier Care Packing
- Clean Fairfax Encourages Green Holiday Traditions
- First Hike Photo Contest
- 2024 Park Fees
- 2024 Animal Shelter Vaccine and Microchip Clinics
- Environmental Quality Advisory Council to Host Public Comment Meeting
- Virginia Adopts 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code
- Opioid Overdose Resources
- Lifetime Learning Institute Winter/Spring 2024 Classes
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Holiday Safety and Security | |
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Keep these tips in mind for a safe and secure holiday and new year:
- Avoid leaving gifts and valuables in your car. Lock the vehicle and don't leave a car running unattended.
- If you’re planning to drink, plan to get a safe, sober ride home through the Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s Holiday SoberRide. Visit their website for details on how to claim your code.
- Read the Fairfax Fire & Rescue Blog for tips on tree and candle safety topics.
Pets
The holidays can be a fun but also dangerous time for our furry companions.
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As pet owners, we must take steps to keep our pets safe during the festive season.
Read the County's Emergency Information Blog to learn about how to avoid hazardous decorations, food, and drinks.
Winter Weather and Outages
In the event of winter weather, prepare by saving important information:
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In the event of power outages:
- Dominion Energy customers can report outages:
- By calling 1-866-366-4357
- Through the Dominion Energy mobile app
- By filling out Dominion's outage report form
- NOVEC customers can report outages:
- By calling 703-335-0500 or toll free at 1-888-335-0500
- Texting #OUT to 85700
- Through the MyNOVEC mobile app
- Online by logging into your NOVEC SmartHub account
- By visiting NOVEC's Storm Center
Read more on who to contact about downed trees and wires.
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13th Annual Adopt-A-Soldier
Care Packing
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Join the American Legion Post 176 and Adopt-A-Soldier to say "Thank you for your service" by packing care packages and letters for service members deployed overseas and veterans in veteran homes and hospitals.
The American Legion Post 176 will pack care packages on Monday, December 25, from 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion Post 176 (6520 Amherst Avenue, Springfield). Lunch will be served for volunteers and all supplies will be provided; donated items will not be turned away!
There is no age limit to volunteer and no set time slots. Visit the event page for more information.
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Clean Fairfax Encourages Green Holiday Traditions | |
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Did you know that the average American household creates 25% more waste during the holiday season? This is the perfect time of year to add a couple of easy, green traditions to your festivities!
- Choose reusable or recyclable wrapping for your gifts, such as a basket, decorative fabric wrap, previously used gift bag, or paper decorated with drawings and natural items (think pinecones, sprigs of greenery, or dried flowers).
- Do not throw away broken holiday lights! Take them to your nearest MOM’s Organic Market for recycling! Locate your nearest MOM’s.
- Bring your own food storage containers to take home leftovers. Hint: annual cookie swaps can keep swapping the same tins back and forth!
- Looking for a zero-waste gift idea? Donate to a local green organization.
Check out Clean Fairfax or email cfc@cleanfairfax.org.
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On New Year's Day, head out to Fairfax County Parks with your camera to photograph scenery, people or your pets! Then enter your photo in the Park Authority’s First Hike Fairfax 2024 Photo Contest by noon on January 2 for a chance to win $75 to $100 gift cards from the Fairfax County Park Authority Foundation.
The contest is open to amateur and professional photographers. Only one photo entry per person will be accepted (multiple family members may submit photos individually). Photo submissions must be in JPG format, indicate the date they were taken, and be submitted in one of the following four categories:
- Scenery/Landscapes
- People
- Wildlife
- Pets
Complete contest rules, photo submission instructions, and other resources are available on the First Hike Fairfax Photo Contest website.
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The Fairfax County Park Authority Board approved the proposed adjustments to the 2024 Park Authority Fee Schedule at their December 13 meeting.
All fee adjustments are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2024.
Some of the changes will affect fees for:
- Golfing Greens and Driving Ranges
- Rec Center General Admission and Fast Passes
- Rec Center Indoor Swimming Pools
- Picnic Facility and Amphitheater Rentals (Lake Accotink, Mason District and Franconia Parks)
- Commercial Photography Reservations
- Park Amusements
A list of all fee changes and an analysis of all considerations leading to these adjustments are available on the 2024 Fee Adjustment Proposal website. The Fee Schedule will be updated to reflect these changes when they go into effect on January 1.
For more information, please contact the Park Authority at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov or by calling (703) 246-5092.
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2024 Animal Shelter Vaccine and
Microchip Clinics
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The Fairfax County Animal Shelter offers County residents the opportunity to have their pet vaccinated or microchipped without the cost of a veterinary exam.
The next clinic will be on Friday, January 5, 2024, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's Michael R Frey Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax).
Learn more about vaccine and microchip clinics on the Animal Shelter’s website.
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Environmental Quality Advisory Council to Host Public Comment Meeting | |
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Each year, the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) hosts a public comment meeting to gather input from County residents on their environmental concerns and issues in the community.
The next annual EQAC meeting will be on January 10, 2024 at 7:15 p.m. in Room 4/5 at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
Input can be provided in person, virtually, in writing, or via pre-recorded video. To register for in-person testimony, send pre-recordings, or written testimony, email EQAC@fairfaxcounty.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. on January 5, 2024.
Visit EQAC's webpage to learn more about EQAC and the public comment.
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Virginia Adopts 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code | |
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Attention Homeowners and Contractors: Virginia has adopted the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), and the updated administrative provisions are effective beginning January 18, 2024.
These administrative provisions amend the technical standards of the International Code Council’s building standards for use in Virginia. From January 18, 2024, until January 17, 2025, building permit applicants may choose to use the technical provisions of either the 2018 or 2021 USBC. Mixing technical provisions between the two editions of the code is prohibited.
All new building permit applications and construction must meet the 2021 USBC requirements by January 18, 2025. This deadline includes updating “Masterfiles” to reflect the 2021 USBC. Developers leverage “Masterfiles” to facilitate permitting for similar architectural designs, mostly for new home construction. Developers must update all existing, approved Masterfile plans to the 2021 USBC and receive County approval before January 18, 2025, to avoid delays in permit processing.
What does this mean for you? If you have any upcoming home improvement projects or new buildings that require building permits from Fairfax County Land Development Services (LDS), ensure that you are using the correct edition of the building code by following guidelines. There is a one-year grace period between January 18, 2024, and January 17, 2025, wherein you can choose to either use the 2018 or the 2021 USBC provisions for your project. The one-year grace period allows projects that were in the design and permitting phase under the 2018 USBC to continue through that process under the code edition that was in place when the project started. Avoid mixing provisions between the 2018 and 2021 USBC, as that is not allowed.
To read more, check out Land Development Services' technical bulletin.
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Opioid Overdose Resources | |
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Community members are asked to stay vigilant and take steps to help curb fatal and nonfatal drug overdoses.
A significant area of concern here in Fairfax County and around the country is a growing number of opioid overdoses involving youth.
Learn how to get help or check out resources.
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LLI Winter/Spring 2024 Classes | |
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The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI), affiliated with the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College, is a non-profit, member-run organization offering stimulating educational and cultural pursuits to adults ages 50 and over.
LLI will post its class catalog for the Winter/Spring 2024 semester (January-May) in the next few weeks.
More information on LLI and how to enroll in Winter/Spring 2024 classes is available on LLI's website. If you have questions, call Gina Trapp of LLI’s Community Outreach Committee at (571) 345-5897.
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