10.10.24

Dear Neighbor,

Thank you to the participants of our Hispanic Heritage Month Business Roundtable today! We engaged in conversation about operating a business in Fairfax, programs currently in place for small businesses, and where we can provide more support.

Roundtable participants included:

• Brenda Hostler, Owner of the Board & Brush Creative Studio
• Jennifer Rose, Executive Director of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
• Rebecca Moudry, Director of the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives
• Holly Hicks Dougherty, President of Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce
• Francisco Cano, Owner of Safety First CPR & First Aid Training
• Lourdes de la Pena, Owner of StringTime
• Monica Cave, Owner of The Sea Restaurant & Bar
• Juan Navarro, Owner of The Wine Attic

Climate Action Conference - Keynote Speaker Highlight

Our 2nd Annual Climate Action Conference is coming up on Saturday, October 26, at Lake Braddock Secondary School (9200 Burke Lake Road, Burke).

The event will kick off at 9:00 a.m. with a networking session before remarks from Congressman Gerry Connolly, Chairman Jeff McKay, and other elected officials.

This year’s conference theme is “A Healthier Fairfax on the Road to Zero Emissions.” Our keynote speaker is Dr. Anand Gourishankar, MD. Dr. Gourishankar has over 26 years of medical experience and is currently a pediatrician at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC and a professor of pediatrics at the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

In recent years, Dr. Gourishankar has been researching the geospatial aspects of certain childhood diseases in the community, such as asthma and obesity. During his keynote remarks, he will discuss the types of pollutants created by gas-powered vehicles, their impact on human health and share local data about the impact of “bad air” days on residents in the region.



Register today.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month

At this week's Board meeting, Supervisor Palchik, Chairman McKay, and I presented a proclamation recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Fairfax County. The proclamation rededicates our County to the important work of ending domestic violence and protecting survivors.

Domestic violence is a family, community, and public health issue with enormous impacts. The ripple effects of domestic and sexual violence spread to all parts of our community, and it will take all of us working together to build a safer Fairfax County. 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. As former Chair of the Fairfax County Council to End Domestic Violence, I'm proud of the great work being done by all who are part of our coordinated community response to domestic violence.

Individually, we can also take steps during this Domestic Violence Awareness Month to be visible and vocal in supporting programs that promote peaceful conflict resolution, healthy relationships, and equality in our interpersonal relationships. Fairfax County offers many resources dedicated to serving those who have been affected by domestic violence and educating the broader community.

This month, the Fairfax County Police Department’s (FCPD) Victim Services Division (VSD) is launching a campaign to support survivors of domestic violence.

VSD is collecting donations of new, unopened beauty products to create gift bags for domestic violence survivors. Your donation can help us empower those who’ve faced unimaginable challenges. Every donation is a reminder that our community stands with survivors in their journey to rebuild their lives.

They will collect:

• Lipstick & Lip Gloss
• Nail Polish
• Foundation
• Concealer
• Mascara
• Eyeliner
• Makeup Brushes/Sponges
• Eyeshadow
• Body Lotion
• Shower Gel

Learn where to drop off donations and other ways to help this drive on FCPD's blog.

Yours in service,

Supervisor James R. Walkinshaw

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Braddock District news and updates.

Continue reading below for more information on:

• Smoke Alarms
• Shane's Creek Trail Clean-Up
• Friends of the Kings Park Library's Annual Fall Book Sale
• Early Voting Happening Now
• Nominate the Best of Braddock
• Deer Season Alert
• Nominations Open for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards
• Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study Survey Now Online

Smoke Alarms

Fire Prevention Week

This week is Fire Prevention Week, and the theme is "Smoke Alarms: Make Them Work for You." The first step is to ensure your smoke alarms are properly installed by following the manufacturer's instructions.

Did you know that in a fire you could have as little as two minutes to get out safely? Smoke alarms save lives by giving an early warning so you can get out quickly.

There are three important steps to ensuring your smoke alarms are keeping you and your loved ones safe:

• Installation - Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each separate sleeping area (like a hallway), and on each level (including the basement) of the home.
• When installing, follow the instructions that come with the smoke alarm.
• A smoke alarm should be on the ceiling or high on a wall.
• Testing - Test smoke alarms at least once a month by pushing the test button.
• Replacement - Replace smoke alarms that are 10 years old from the date of manufacture or when they stop responding when tested.
• Replace batteries at least once a year.
• Make sure smoke alarms meet the need of all family members, including those with sensory or physical disabilities. There are special alarms and devices to ensure everyone can be alerted in case of fire.

All members in your home should know the sounds and signals of the smoke alarm. When the alarm sounds, get out and stay out.

Make a Home Escape Plan. Have an outside meeting place to make sure everyone gets outside safe. Call 911 from outside your home.

Fire Prevention Week is the week of October 9 to commemorate the start of the Great Chicago Fire on October 8, 1871. Read more about Fire Prevention Week on the Fairfax Fire and Rescue Department's blog.

Free Smoke Alarms

Fairfax County residents can get free battery-powered smoke alarms by contacting their local Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department station or by submitting an online form on Fire and Rescue's website.

Shane's Creek Trail Clean-Up

The Kings Park West Civic Association's Parks and Lakes Committee is hosting a clean-up on Monday, October 14, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

The group will clean up Shane's Creek Trail and meet at the trailhead on Gainsborough Drive, near the corner of Claridge Court.

Email Kelley Newsad at parks@kpwca.org with any questions.

Friends of the Kings Park Library's Annual Fall Book Sale

The Friends of the Kings Park Library's Annual Fall Book Sale runs from October 17 - 19 at Kings Park Library (9000 Burke Lake Road, Burke). Books are sorted into many categories and it's easy to find something for everyone!

Book sale hours:

• Thursday, October 17
• 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Friday, October 18
• 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
• Saturday, October 19
• 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Proceeds directly support the Kings Park Library. More information is available on the library’s website.

Early Voting Happening Now

Early voting for this year’s election is happening now! The last day of early voting is Saturday, November 2.

In the Braddock District, you can vote in Room 251 at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax), Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and on select Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Curbside voting is available at early voting and election day polling locations for people 65 or older or with a disability. When you arrive, look for the "Curbside Voting" sign near the accessible parking area. Call the phone number on the sign to contact an election officer. Learn more about curbside voting and accessible voting.

View a full list of early voting locations with available hours on the County's website. You can also check live wait times for open locations.

View sample ballots for precincts in the Braddock District. Please note that the second page of all ballots in Fairfax County are the same, and a sample of the second page is on page 31 in the PDF. Read an explanation of the bonds for Fairfax County.

If you haven’t registered to vote yet, there’s still time. You can register or update your existing registration on Virginia's Voter Portal. The deadline to register to vote is October 15. If you register between October 16 through Election Day, you can vote using a provisional ballot which will be counted upon confirming voter eligibility.

If you plan on voting by mail, you must request a mail-in ballot by October 25. After receiving your ballot, it must be postmarked and sent by Election Day, Tuesday, November 5.

For more information about anything related to voting or elections, check out the Fairfax County Office of Elections’ website.

Nominate the Best of Braddock

Nominations for the Annual Best of Braddock Awards are being accepted until October 31.

The annual awards are an opportunity to recognize the people and organizations working to make our wonderful community even better!

Take a moment to nominate a neighbor or organization for these categories:

• Citizen of the Year
• Young Person of the Year
• Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification
• Most "Can-Do" Public Employee
• Club or Organization Making a Difference
• Civic Engagement

Submit your nominations online by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 31. Winners will be notified before the Best of Braddock Awards on Wednesday, December 4.

Email braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov with any questions.

Deer Season Alert

Oh deer — fall romance is in the air! It's deer mating season and VDOT & Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) remind motorists to stay alert on the roads as deer have love on their mind.

Drivers should slow down and use caution as deer are more active and the potential for crashes increases.

Learn more on VDOT's website.

Nominations Open for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards

Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area?

If so, nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2024 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 and receive an award, presented at an annual awards ceremony in December.

There are three possible award categories: Individual, Group, and Self-advocate. The requirements are to have demonstrated a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in Fairfax County, and the Cities of Fairfax, or Falls Church; and demonstration of how people with disabilities have significantly benefitted from their efforts.

Visit the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board's website for more information about who is eligible for nomination, the process, and how to submit a nomination. Nominations are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 18. If you have questions, email DisabilityRights@FairfaxCounty.Gov. 

Lake Accotink Preservation Feasibility Study Survey Now Online

The Lake Accotink proposed Scope of Work and survey are now available online.

Public input is essential to ensure that the scope of work addresses the issues of concern to the community. Please carefully read the draft scope of work and complete the survey to ensure your thoughts are considered as DPWES finalizes the document. The survey will be open through October 20.

For a detailed update on the project, you can read the September 19 Advisory or the Braddock Beacon from August 2 (beginning on Page 16).

For more information, visit the Smaller Lake Accotink Study and Engagement Survey webpage.