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6.26.25
Dear Neighbor,
Next Friday, for the 249th time, we will come together to celebrate the Declaration of Independence and rededicate ourselves to the shared ideals— liberty, equality, and democracy—that make us Americans. Independence Day is an important time to come together as neighbors and as Americans to unite, reflect, and renew our civic spirit!
Attend an upcoming event in our region to celebrate the Fourth of July:
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Fireworks are often a key part of 4th of July celebrations, and understanding fireworks safety is critical!
A comprehensive list of fireworks considered permissible in Virginia is available on the State Fire Marshal's website or in a PDF.
While celebrating, please keep the following safety tips in mind:
- When displaying legally purchased, approved fireworks, place them on a flat surface, clear of any combustible material and clear of all buildings
- Keep all bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks
- Read the directions
- Do not permit young children to handle or light fireworks
- Light only one firework at a time
- Never throw fireworks
- Sparklers can be very dangerous and account for the majority of injuries. Pieces can break off and burn bystanders
- Young children should not use sparklers as these can attain a temperature as high as 1800 degrees Fahrenheit
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
For more information, view the Fire and Rescue Department's Fireworks Safety website or contact Fairfax County's Public Affairs and Life Safety Education at (703) 246-3801 or TTY 711.
Taking Care of Your Mental Health
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Mental health is important all year long.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), nearly 1 in 5 people experiences a mental health concern each year. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, you are not alone, and resources are available:
- The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) offers a wide range of services for individuals of all ages who are experiencing mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or developmental disabilities
- CSB has a suicide prevention information and resources website with information on their Mental Health First Aid Classes, and specific resources for veterans, members of the military and their families, Fairfax County Public Schools students, and older adults
- CSB's Emergency Services can be reached 24/7 at (703) 573-5679. They also take walk-ins at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health (8221 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive, Fairfax)
- Not sure if you need help? Take a free, confidential, online mental health screening
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9-8-8, the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Hotline, is available via text or call
- Text "CONNECT" to 855-11 to contact PRS CrisisLink
- Call PRS CrisisLink at (703) 527-4077
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The Trevor Project (specific to LGBTQIA+ Youth)
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Trans Lifeline (877) 565-8860 (specific to Trans callers)
- The Veterans Crisis Line can be reached by calling 9-8-8, then dialing "1"
- Visit the Virginia Department of Veterans Services for more resources for Veterans
- ConnerStrong Foundation
- In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1
For more information on mental health resources available for County and Northern Virginia residents, visit Fairfax County's website.
| | 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:
- Arts in the Parks Continues
- Shredding Event Scams
- Home Safety Tips for Seniors
- Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs and Adults
- Friends of Trees Awards Nominations Open Through July 31
- Pet Adoption Spotlight: Misters!
| | Arts in the Parks Continues | | |
The first two concerts of the Braddock District Arts in the Parks Children's Series have been a blast!
Concerts are every Saturday at 10:00 a.m. at Wakefield Park in front of the Audrey Moore Rec Center (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale) until August 16. This Saturday, Uncle Ty-Rone will perform.
Uncle Ty-Rone brings the “One Mic Many Voices” Educational Show, a lively and engaging ventriloquism and puppet performance suitable for all age groups, starting from pre-K and up. This fun-filled experience goes beyond entertainment, instilling in children the importance of reading and self-confidence.
In the event of inclement weather, call the FCPA concert hotline at (571) 202-SHOW (7469) before leaving home.
At each event, we will raffle off two child-sized Braddock District Arts in the Parks t-shirts, so be sure to pick up a raffle ticket before the performances start!
We need volunteers to assist with our t-shirt raffles and other activities. Email Alejandra Caballero at braddockevents@fairfaxcounty.gov if you are interested in volunteering at any of the shows.
All performances in the Arts in the Parks series are free to attend and are open to the public.
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Residents have recently reported arriving at Fairfax County facilities for shredding events that were falsely advertised on a suspicious website. These events are not associated with the County; take steps to avoid misinformation and potential scams:
- On-Site and Off-site Shredding:
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Verify if shredding will happen on-site and in front of you or at another location. Reputable companies will take the documents in locked boxes then provide a certificate of destruction or allow you to watch your documents being shredded. Stay vigilant and check the county’s website, social media channels, or confirm with county facilities to make sure an event is legitimate before attending.
- Verify Community Events:
- Occasionally, a community group may hold an event at a county facility, so contact the group to confirm.
- Verify the Shredding Company:
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If it's a private company, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the Better Business Bureau.
| | Home Safety Tips for Seniors | | |
Are you a senior citizen who lives alone or do you know a senior who does? If so, please take a moment to read and share these useful tips for in-home safety measures that may help prevent an injury.
It’s estimated that one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. These falls can result in serious impacts to health and an individual’s independence. The good news is that accidents may be prevented by implementing some basic home safety measures. Remember, prevention is key!
| | Fairfax County has a range of services and supports to help older adults age safely in place. Explore what's available from the Department of Family Services. | | Spotted Lanternfly Nymphs and Adults | | |
You can help stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly, which is now widely seen throughout Fairfax County. These non-native nuisance pests were first seen in the County in 2022.
They are known to destroy gardens, particularly new sprouts and young plantings.
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At this time of year, residents are likely to see the early black nymphs (shown above) or the older red nymphs (right).
If you see these or the adult spotted lanternfly (shown below), don’t panic. Please just crush them or vacuum them up. The nymphs tend to walk and jump while the adults tend to fly.
| | Friends of Trees Awards Nominations Open Through July 31 | | |
The Fairfax County Tree Commission is accepting nominations for this year’s Friends of Trees Awards until July 31.
Since 1999, the Friends of Trees awards have highlighted exceptional and innovative tree conservation actions in the County. Individuals and organizations can be nominated (or self-nominated) for various tree-related projects or programs that have demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions to preserve, protect, or plant trees.
Nominees must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Protect and preserve existing trees and associated habitats.
- Increase Fairfax County’s tree canopy and its related habitats.
- Educate and inspire people to plant more trees and properly maintain them
- Convey an understanding of both the value and benefits of trees.
- Developers who go “above and beyond” Fairfax County requirements to preserve and protect trees and associated habitats.
Nomination categories include:
- Individual Volunteer
- Non-profit Group or Business
- For-profit Company
- Development Community
Each category highlights the achievements and contributions of individuals and groups who dedicated their time and effort to preserving tree life in our community. Nominations are reviewed by the Tree Commission and Urban and Community Forestry Division Staff. Winners will be announced and celebrated in the fall of 2025 and recognized by the Board of Supervisors.
Visit the Friends of Trees Awards website for more information about these awards and to find online nomination forms. Email any questions to treecommission@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| | Pet Adoption Spotlight: Misters! | | |
Meet Misters!
Located at the Fairfax Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax), Misters is a gentle and large tabby cat seeking a loving home.
Misters came to the Fairfax County Animal Shelter as a transfer from one of the shelter's rescue partners.
According to his previous rescue, "Misters was a pet of an owner who could no longer care for him due to her failing health. His family surrendered Misters for adoption opportunities. He is overweight and we have controlled his food intake since he arrived. He is very friendly with his caregivers but can be a bit grumpy with his feline companions. He has a playful side that comes out when his younger companions invite him to play."
Misters likes scratches on his chin, cheeks and head. He will even let out a gentle, soft purr when he is happy. Misters will thrive in a home willing to let him warm up to people at his own pace and help him reach a healthy weight.
Come meet and adopt sweet Misters today!
Visit the Fairfax County Animal Shelter's website for more information about Misters or to view any of the other adoptable pets.
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