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3.20.25
Dear Neighbor,
Today is the Spring Equinox, the astronomical start of spring. Daylight hours begin to increase, and trees and plants begin growing and blooming—sure signs that winter is over!
Keeping Kids Safe from Tobacco & Vape Products
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In December 2024, I introduced a Board Matter with Chairman Jeff McKay, Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith, and Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik to explore a prohibition on new vape and tobacco shops from opening within 1,000 feet of schools. This authority was granted to local governments by a bill from Delegate Alfonso Lopez that went into effect in 2024.
Last week, the Board's Land Use Committee met to review recommendations for this prohibition. We learned that underage youth in Fairfax were successfully able to buy tobacco products in 23% of attempts during sting operations. That's almost 1 in 4 stores failing to protect our kids.
We also know that exposure to tobacco and vape marketing makes young people more likely to try these products. In 2024, 40,920 Fairfax County students were enrolled in educational facilities within 1,000 feet of a tobacco-selling retailer.
We have more work to do to finalize the details of implementation and enforcement. But I'm hopeful that we will move forward with this initiative to reduce the prevalence of tobacco and vape usage among young people in Fairfax County.
School Bus Camera Program Launches
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Drivers who pass school buses loading and unloading children may soon receive $250 citations in the mail. The County and Fairfax County Public Schools have initiated a program to improve the safety of students, which launches this spring.
The joint effort includes debuting camera systems to identify drivers not adhering to the “stop arm” signals used by bus drivers to alert those on the road to the presence of students getting on or off of buses.
The initiative will begin with a 30-day notice period, providing motorists with time to familiarize themselves with the regulations. Fifty bus camera systems will be installed during the initial rollout, with warning citations beginning on Wednesday, April 9. Following the grace period, beginning Monday, May 12, violators will be subject to a fine of $250, sent in the mail, underscoring the seriousness of ensuring drivers obey laws tied to student safety.
The program may be expanded as FCPS and police evaluate the administrative process and effectiveness of the technology.
Children are at greatest risk for a school bus-related injury when they are boarding or leaving the bus, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Read more about the program on the County's website.
Fairview Fire Station Project Update
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Funding for the new Fairview Fire Station was approved in the 2018 Public Safety Bond Referendum. The existing station was constructed in 1981 and the facility and building systems have exceeded their useful life. The new station’s enhanced capacity will meet the increased service demand for emergency medical and fire suppression needs of the area. The project also includes a temporary off-site fire station to maintain fire and rescue services during construction.
The project's design phase is completed, and construction is scheduled to begin early April 2025.
A “Pardon Our Dust” Virtual Community Meeting is planned for March 26 at 7:00 p.m. to provide project update information and a timeline for the new Fairview Fire Station 32.
View more about the project on the Fairview Fire Station 32 site.
| | 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:
- Reduced Fee Vaccine & Microchip Clinic
- Braddock District Budget Town Hall
- Parks Count! Our Parks, Our Future
- Joint Legislative Update Town Hall
- Neighborhood & Community Services Open Hire Event
- Tax Relief Workshops
- FCPA To Begin Wakefield Park Tennis and Pickleball Court Enhancements
- Training Opportunity for Federal Workers & Contractors
- Prom Dress Shop
- Resources for Federal Employees and Contractors
- Intern in the Braddock District!
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Reduced Fee Vaccine
& Microchip Clinic
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As part of Fairfax County Animal Shelter's (FCAS) Pet Resource Center, Fairfax County residents have an opportunity to vaccinate and microchip their pets without the cost of a veterinary exam.
All clinics are first-come, first-served and cash-only. The Animal Shelter has an upcoming clinic tomorrow, Friday, March 21 from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton).
For more information on upcoming dates or details, visit the FCAS website.
| | Braddock District Budget Town Hall | | |
Share your thoughts, ideas, questions, and concerns about the County budget before it is adopted in May.
The Braddock District Budget Town Hall is on Thursday, March 27, at 7:00 p.m. with Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw and County Executive Bryan Hill.
You can watch the town hall three different ways:
Do you have a question to submit for the town hall?
The Board will also be hosting a series of Budget Public Hearings from April 22-24 at the Government Center and wants to hear from residents. You are encouraged to sign up to speak in-person, by video, or by phone at one of the three meetings.
The County has expanded the methods for residents to offer feedback on the Budget. You can share your comments using these methods:
| | Parks Count! Our Parks, Our Future | | |
The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) launched the 2026 Parks Needs Assessment to evaluate park and recreation needs across the County. Your feedback will help guide decision-making for park programs, investments, and improvements, including funding requests for the 2026 park bond.
Residents can provide input by visiting an in-person workshop this Saturday, March 22, between 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Franconia Rec Center (6601 Telegraph Road, Alexandria).
This family-friendly open house will feature a guided nature walk, activities with the Wonder Wagon, a sensory-friendly area for children, and a Rec Center pass promotion. Engage in hands-on activities and discussions to help shape the future of our parks.
If you can’t attend, you can still make your voice heard by participating in the 2026 Needs Assessment survey! A randomly selected group of residents will receive a mailed survey, but anyone can provide input through an online survey.
Visit the Parks Count! Our Parks, Our Future webpage for the latest updates and to learn more about participating in the 2026 Needs Assessment survey, including subscribing to the newsletter for updates directly from FCPA. For questions, contact parkscount@publicinput.com.
| | Joint Legislative Update Town Hall | | |
Delegates Mark Sickles and Laura Jane Cohen will host a Joint Legislative Update Town Hall on Tuesday, March 25, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. at Irving Middle School (8100 Old Keene Mill Road, Springfield).
They will provide updates on the progress of their bills getting signed by the Governor and a preview of the upcoming Veto Session on April 2.
Questions about the event can be sent to delljcohen@house.virginia.gov.
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Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is holding an Open Hire Event on Wednesday, March 26, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Center (7611 Little River Turnpike, Annandale) in Room 348E.
Bring your resume and be interviewed on the spot for summer or year-round positions in childcare and recreation.
For more info and to learn about hiring bonuses, check out the NCS website.
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Staff from the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) will hold Tax Relief Workshops to assist qualified seniors and people with disabilities with completing the 2025 tax relief application form and to answer questions. To ensure that individuals are assisted promptly, workshops will utilize appointment scheduling.
The workshops will take place around the County; the Braddock District’s will be on Friday, March 28, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. in Braddock Hall (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke).
To request an appointment with DTA for a designated workshop, either in Braddock or another location, call (703) 222-8234 (press 0, then 0, and ask for the Tax Relief & Exemptions Office from the customer service representative) or email TaxRelief@FairfaxCounty.gov.
| | FCPA To Begin Wakefield Park Tennis and Pickleball Court Enhancements | | |
The Fairfax County Park Authority will soon begin renovating the tennis and pickleball court areas at Wakefield Park (8100 Braddock Road, Annandale) to enhance playing conditions and increase dedicated courts for pickleball. Construction, led by contractor ATC Corp, is expected to begin early April 2025.
The project will be completed in two phases. Phase 1 will include converting Tennis Court 11 into four dedicated pickleball courts, renovating Tennis Courts 7 and 8, restoring Courts 9 and 10 to tennis-only use, and repairing Tennis Courts 1 and 2. The basketball courts will also undergo repairs, with completion expected by late June. Weather permitting, Phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by mid-July 2025.
Phase 2 will follow shortly after, replacing half of the walled practice court with two additional dedicated pickleball courts, while preserving the tennis practice wall and courts closest to Courts 9 and 10. This phase will require additional site work, including modifying an existing trail and relocating picnic tables. Phase 2 is expected to be completed by Fall 2025, pending necessary permits and weather conditions.
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During construction, Tennis Courts 3, 4, 5 and 6, as well as Pickleball Courts 12 and 13, will remain open for public use. Directional signage will guide visitors to alternative pickleball court access, ensuring safe entry. However, visitors are reminded to avoid designated construction areas. Residents should also expect occasional construction traffic entering and exiting near Court 11 via the park access road. Construction hours will be 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on weekends. Residents are encouraged to use the Park Amenity Locator to identify alternative courts to use during construction.
Once completed, Wakefield Park will feature 10 dedicated tennis courts and eight dedicated pickleball courts, reducing competition for dual-use courts and better accommodating the County’s growing demand for racket sports. The final design was informed by public feedback from the July 9, 2024, meeting. The $300,000 project is funded through the FY 2024 Third Quarter Budget Consideration Item, sponsored by Chairman Jeff McKay and Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw.
FCPA remains committed to expanding accessible playing surfaces for racket sports. With this project, Fairfax County will offer 90 pickleball courts and 193 tennis courts across its parks. For more details, visit the Wakefield Tennis and Pickleball Redevelopment Project page on PublicInput or contact the Public Information Office at Parkmail@fairfaxcounty.gov.
| | Training Opportunity for Federal Workers & Contractors | | |
NOVA Launches Training Opportunity for Recently Unemployed Federal Workers and Contractors
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) is stepping up to support recently unemployed federal workers and contractors with the launch of NOVAnext - a $1 million scholarship initiative designed to help individuals transition into their next careers.
This program provides access to free courses, including IT certifications, program management, HR, entrepreneurship, and Generative AI. Participants will also benefit from resume writing and job search workshops to better equip them for the job market.
Key Details:
✅ Up to $1 million in scholarships available
✅ 14 courses designed to build skills for industry-recognized certifications
✅ Self-paced, online entrepreneurship courses
✅ Free resume & job search workshops
This is an incredible opportunity for individuals affected by recent employment disruptions to upgrade their skills and secure new career paths.
Eligibility:
🔹 Must have been laid off after February 1, 2025
🔹 Reside within the NOVA service area
🔹 Complete an online application
Apply today or learn more.
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Students from Centreville High School and the Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall program have opened their Annual Prom Dress Shop, which aims to help economically challenged students celebrate in style.
The shop, which operates out of Centreville High School, has helped hundreds of students attend proms each spring by providing prom dresses and accessories at no cost to students. Any area student, not just those from Fairfax County Public Schools, who does not have the funds to purchase a prom dress may choose from hundreds of dresses donated by Macy’s and community members.
In 2006, Centreville High School and Fair Oaks Classroom on the Mall students partnered together to collect dresses as a way to combine their interests in fashion with community service. The marketing students apply the retail marketing and visual merchandising skills learned throughout the school year to transform their classroom into the Prom Dress Shop.
Members of the community who wish to donate gently used, dry-cleaned prom dresses and accessories may drop off items in the Main Office at Centreville High School. The office is open Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. The program can also accept donations during shop hours on April 4-6.
The Prom Dress Shop is located in the modular classroom building near the stadium, in the student parking lot of Centreville High School, outside of door 12.
Students with financial challenges who wish to obtain prom wear through the program must show a valid student ID or other form of school identification to select a free dress during the following store hours:
- Friday, April 4 | 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 5 | 2:00 - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, April 6 | 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Read more about the Prom Dress Shop.
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Resources for Federal
Employees and Contractors
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Fairfax County Resource and Service Site
Thousands of County residents and their families will likely be affected by the federal government’s plan to significantly downsize the federal workforce and budget. The County has a variety of resources and services that can help former federal employees, contractors, and anyone else affected by job loss.
Empower & Elevate Employment Resource Fair, March 23
Job-seekers are invited to join Faith Communities in Action and Fairfax County Government at this event if you are:
- Looking for employment.
- In need of resources and tips for finding employment.
- Interested in becoming an entrepreneur.
- Seeking assistance with building your resume.
Speakers will be from Fairfax County:
- Department of Human Resources
- Department of Family Services Employment and Training
- Economic Development Authority
- Coordinated Services Planning
Employers will be on site.
Sunday, March 23, 2025
12:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Mount Olive Baptist Church
6600 Old Centreville Rd.
Centreville, VA 20121
See additional details on this flyer.
Federal Representatives
Each member of Fairfax County's Congressional Delegation has provided access to resources, including the opportunity for federal employees to anonymously report abuses of power, review employment rights/civil service law, and understand whistleblower protections. If you or someone you know is a federal employee, review and share these resources, and subscribe to your federal representatives’ newsletters to stay informed.
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Senator Mark Warner
Senator Tim Kaine
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Congressman Don Beyer
Congressman Gerry Connolly
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Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
As the employment landscape is shifting in the Greater Washington region, find a job in Northern Virginia – your skills and experience are valuable, and companies are looking to hire YOU.
Actions to take to find a job and get hired:
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Browse 45,000+ open positions with companies looking to hire in Northern Virginia.
- Visit your local Virginia Career Works Career Center or make a virtual appointment.
- Connect with Fairfax County’s One-stop Employment Resources Center services.
Join a Weekly Webinar to Stay Informed
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority will host a free weekly webinar to connect job seekers with the resources they need to find a job in Northern Virginia. Whether you are looking for a job or supporting displaced staff, these sessions are packed with valuable insights on actions to take to get re-employed. View how to register here.
| | Intern in the Braddock District! | | |
The Braddock District office is filled with superheroes and is looking for more to join the team this summer!
Supervisor Walkinshaw's office is accepting applications for a paid summer internship. College students residing in or from the Braddock District are encouraged to apply.
Interns will assist with a myriad of public service activities, which may include:
- Assisting constituents
- Research projects for Supervisor Walkinshaw and staff
- Assisting with communications, including writing, graphic design, and social media
More information on job duties, skills, schedule, and how to apply is available on the Braddock website. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, March 31.
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