Dear Neighbor,

I want to wish you and your family a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! We have so much to be thankful for here in Fairfax County. I'm grateful for the dedication of our first responders and other public servants, the strength of our local economy, and the strong community spirit that persists throughout the Braddock District.

While Thanksgiving is a time of joy, it also presents some dangers. Before putting your oven mitts on this week, I hope you'll review these cooking safety tips from the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department.

The Braddock District Office will be closed on November 23 and 24. For information on what is open in the County, visit the Operating Status website.

Food Insecurity Resources

The holiday season reminds us that food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 Fairfax County residents.

The Capital Area Food Bank’s 2023 Hunger Report revealed multiple factors that have driven food insecurity. You can also view a map of the Capital region's food insecure populations.

There are several ways you can help support those with food insecurity in Fairfax County:



• Stuff the Bus is a partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofit organizations to support food assistance efforts for families and households. The program uses Fairfax County’s FASTRAN buses to collect donations for local food banks every winter.
• This year, Stuff the Bus launched a virtual food drive that allows individuals and community organizations to give monetary donations directly to local non-profit organizations that provide food assistance in Fairfax County until November 30.
• You can also get involved with the Fairfax Food Council and explore ways to improve our food system and support healthy food access.

There are many resources available to support those who need food assistance. Read more on the Fairfax County website or visit the Human Services Resource Guide to find organizations that can assist.

Rebuilding Together

Earlier this month, my team and I closed the office and joined Rebuilding Together to help make some repairs to a home in Burke. 

Rebuilding Together does amazing work helping low-income homeowners make health and safety upgrades to their homes. It was great to be able pitch in and help renovate part of a resident's home.

VRE Santa Train

As Chair of the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board, I’m pleased to announce the return of the Santa Train on December 9. Tickets for the Burke Centre trains will go on sale in the Kings Park Library meeting room next to my office on Monday, November 27, at 10:00 a.m. 

Half of the tickets will be sold online while the other half will be sold at the in-person locations. If purchasing online, it is strongly encouraged that you set up an account in advance with Eventbrite, to avoid any delays on the morning of the sale. The online tickets often sell out quickly.

If purchasing in-person at our location, the doors to my office at 9002 Burke Lake Road will open at 9:00 a.m. and ticket sales begin at 10:00 a.m.

Yours in service,

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.

Continue reading below for more information on:

• Notes from the County Animal Shelter
• Beaver Boogie 5K Walk/Run
• Building Permits 101 Class for Homeowners
• Best of Braddock Awards Ceremony and Reception
• Scouting for Food
• 10th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive
• Winter Energy Saving Tips

Notes from the County Animal Shelter

Thanksgiving-Themed Enrichment For Your Pets

Mental and physical enrichment helps keep our companion animals happy and healthy by encouraging natural behaviors. Enrichment is important part of our daily care for our shelter pets and, with Thanksgiving right around the corner, our animal care team compiled some of our favorite holiday-themed treats!

Dogs and cats can enjoy a mix of unseasoned turkey or chicken, green beans, rice and broth that has no additives (such as salt or seasoning). Freeze this tasty mix in a bone-shaped silicone mold for an extra special touch. You can also use pumpkin puree as a Kong toy filler or spread it on a lick mat and freeze it for a cool treat.

Small pets, such as guinea pigs and rabbits, can enjoy a paper bag stuffed with healthy goodies like hay, carrots and kale. They can also nibble on carved, seedless pumpkins as a special treat.

Upcoming Low-Cost Animal Vaccination and Microchip Clinics

The Fairfax County Animal Shelter will hold two low-cost vaccination and microchip clinics for dogs and cats in December.

The first clinic is Sunday, December 3 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 Thursday, December 14, 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.

Beaver Boogie 5K Walk/Run

The Friends of Lake Accotink Park (FLAP) is hosting their 1st Annual Beaver Boogie 5K Walk/Run on Sunday, November 26, at 10:00 a.m.

More information and registration is available on FLAP's event page.

Building Permits 101 Class for Homeowners

Planning a home renovation project that requires a Fairfax County building permit? Join Fairfax County Land Development Services Staff for Building Permits 101 for Homeowners at the Herrity Building (12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax) on Wednesday, November 29, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Learn about the permitting process and how to save time and money. Register today.

Best of Braddock Awards Ceremony and Reception

Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and the Braddock District Council invite you to the annual Best of Braddock Awards Ceremony and Reception.

Join Supervisor Walkinshaw, School Board Member Megan McLaughlin, and other community leaders as they come together to recognize individuals and organizations who have put in the work to make the Braddock District and broader community a great place to live, work, and play.

Heavy hors d'oeuvres and desserts will be provided.

Scouting for Food Continues

The Boy Scouts of America (BSA) kicked off the 37th Annual Scouting for Food event last month. Scouting for Food is one of the largest annual food drives in the area and is normally held every fall prior to Thanksgiving.

BSA's Patriot District (comprised of 19 Cub Scout Packs and 24 Scout Troops across Annandale, Burke, Fairfax, and Fairfax Station) is partnering again this year with the Capital Area Food Bank and the Safeway Foundation. Access to the new virtual food drive campaign continues until December 16. Donors can order from anywhere, and all orders will be shipped directly to the Capital Area Food Bank.

The Braddock District office publishes donation drives and more from local nonprofits and other organizations. If you'd like to submit an item for consideration, please use this online form.

10th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive

The Fairfax County Police Department's Victim Services Division is dedicated to assisting child victims and witnesses of domestic and sexual violence, as well as those who have lost a loved one to homicide. Many of these children are unable to enjoy the holiday celebrations due to the financial strain on their families resulting from being victims of crime. In the genuine spirit of the season, they invite you to join them in bringing holiday cheer to these resilient children by participating in the 10th Annual Gift Card drive.

From now until Saturday, December 16, they are actively seeking gift cards for young and teenage child victims. These cards can be for establishments such as Giant, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, local restaurants, and clothing stores. Gift cards empower parents and guardians to actively engage in purchasing gifts and essential items for each child that they might otherwise go without.

Each child selected for the holiday gift card drive has been vetted by their assigned Victim Specialist and has been personally affected by crime. Every family they choose truly represents those in need. Some will use the gift cards to buy toys and other gifts, while others will invest them in winter clothing for the children or use them to buy food for their holiday meals.

Victim Services sincerely appreciates your support. Your generosity will illuminate the eyes and hearts of child victims, bringing immense joy, and, most importantly, making a positive impact this holiday season.

Drop off or send gift cards to:

Saly Fayez

Victim Services Section

12099 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22035

Winter Energy Saving Tips

As winter approaches, Dominion Energy Virginia is reminding customers of energy-saving tips to help save money and providing bill payment assistance options for customers in need. The fall and winter months typically bring higher energy bills as customers use more electricity to heat their homes.

Start with these four changes to prepare for cooler temperatures ahead:

• Set the thermostat at 68 degrees or lower during colder months.
• Install a smart thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature overnight or while no one is at home.
• Caulk, seal and weather-strip around all seams, cracks, and openings – especially exterior doors and windows – to protect your home from drafts. Check air filters monthly and change them when dirty. Also, check ductwork for leaks and tears.
• Schedule a virtual home energy audit to find more home energy savings.

More energy conservation tips can be found on Dominion's website. A full list of all Dominion Energy customer assistance options is available online or by calling (866) 366-4357.