|
9.26.24
Dear Neighbor,
This Sunday, September 29, Sully Supervisor Kathy Smith and I will lead Team Fairfax, at The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Annual “Out of the Darkness” Community Walk. You're invited to join our team this year!
| |
|
The walk will take place from 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. at Fairfax City Hall (10455 Armstrong Street, Fairfax). The Out of the Darkness walk is one of the most powerful events that I've been a part of and, if you join us, it's an experience you won't forget.
If you or a loved one are struggling, you are not alone; resources are available to help:
In an immediate, life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1.
The Community Services Board also 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.
While our most recent Youth Survey indicates real improvement in measures of mental health among our young people, unfortunately, 8.7% of students reported seriously considering suicide in the past year.
Hispanic Heritage Month Business Roundtable
| |
|
I'm excited to announce that we will be hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Business Roundtable on Thursday, October 10, at Braddock Hall (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke) beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The roundtable will feature local Hispanic and Latino business owners, representatives from Fairfax County, and the Mt. Vernon-Springfield Chamber of Commerce and Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.
If you would like to attend, please register today.
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.
| |
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:
- Car Taxes Due October 7
- Early Voting Happening Now
- BugFest
- Apply to be a Senate or House Page
- Building Permits 101
- National Coffee with a Cop Day
- Nominations Open for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards
- Climate Action Conference
- Virtual Stuff the Bus
- ECHO Food Collection and Shredding Event
- EcoFlicks with Supervisor Walkinshaw
- Community Wellness Center Clinics
- Into the Light Candlelight Vigil
| |
|
Personal property taxes — better known as car taxes — are due on Monday, October 7. Bills were mailed this summer, and there are many convenient ways to pay:
-
Save gas and time by paying online — it's quick, easy and fee-free when you use e-check. When paying by e-check or debit or credit card, you can schedule when you want the money to be sent from your bank account.
-
While you can pay online using a credit or debit card, be aware that a third-party service fee will be applied.
- By phone (third-party service fee will be applied); call (703) 222-6740 | TTY 711 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
- Return your payment by mail using the envelope included with your bill.
- Make checks or money orders payable to "County of Fairfax."
- Use envelope provided with your bill or mail to:
Department of Tax Administration
12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 223
Fairfax, VA 22035
- Do not send cash.
- Payments postmarked on or before the due date are considered to be on time, regardless of date received.
- If you are paying with a check or money order, you can also put your payment in the secure, red drop boxes at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax) — or in the designated book drops at these five libraries until October 7:
- Burke Centre (5935 Freds Oak Road, Burke)
- Dolley Madison (1244 Oak Ridge Avenue, McLean)
- George Mason Regional (7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale)
- Oakton Community (10304 Lynnhaven Place, Oakton)
- Sherwood Regional (2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria)
-
If you decide to pay in-person at the Fairfax County Government Center (Suite 223), be prepared to wait in line. Tax offices are open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on weekdays — and extended hours for service in-person or by phone will be offered:
- Monday, September 30 - Friday, October 4 | 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
- Monday, October 7 | 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
For more information on paying or understanding your car tax bill, visit the County'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 (including September 21) 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.
| |
|
Celebrate all things bugs with the whole family at the Fairfax County Park Authority's (FCPA) creepy-crawly BugFest on Saturday, September 28, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. at the McLaren Sargent Pavilion at Lake Accotink Park (5660 Heming Avenue, Springfield).
Games and activities include insect safaris, live insects, insect collections, log rolling, soil stations, bug walks, critter talks, bug science, and crafts to make your own bug. Use technology to explore the world of insects. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Register on FCPA's website.
| |
|
Apply to be a Senate
or House Page
| |
|
Applications are open for the State Senate Page Program and House of Delegates Page Program!
The prestigious Page Programs are meant to give Virginia students an opportunity to learn about civics, the lawmaking process, and leadership firsthand. Since 1847, pages have worked with the House Clerk and Senate Clerk’s offices to support to staff, legislators, and constituents.
The program is open to 13- and 14-year-olds. Learn more about the programs on Capitol Classroom.
You can apply for the Senate Page Program or the House of Delegates Page Program.
All applicants must have a letter of recommendation from their Senator or Delegate to be considered. To receive a letter of recommendation, reach out to your representatives and schedule an interview by October 1.
Find your General Assembly Representatives.
| |
|
Are you planning a home renovation project?
Consider attending the Building Permits 101 class, hosted by Land Development Services, to find out what types of permits needed, how to hire a contractor, and tips to save time and money.
The English version of the class is on October 2, from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at The WISH Center (7950 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria). Register today.
¿Está planeando renovar su casa?
Considere la posibilidad de asistir a la clase Permisos de construcción 101, organizada por los Servicios de Desarrollo Territorial, para averiguar qué tipos de permisos se necesitan, cómo contratar a un contratista y consejos para ahorrar tiempo y dinero.
La versión en español de la clase es el 1 de octubre, de 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. en The WISH Center (7950 Audubon Avenue, Alexandria). Inscríbase hoy.
| |
National Coffee with a Cop Day | |
|
October 2 is National Coffee with a Cop Day.
Join officers from the West Springfield District Station from 8:00 - 10:00 a.m. at Chesapeake Bagel Bakery (5719 Burke Centre Parkway, Burke) for a cup of joe and get to know your local police force.
| |
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.
| |
Climate Action Conference | |
|
Supervisor Walkinshaw's 2nd Annual Climate Action Conference will be 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 (VA-11), Congressman Don Beyer (VA-8), Chairman Jeff McKay, and other elected officials.
This year’s conference theme is “A Healthier Fairfax on the Road to Zero Emissions.” Dr. Anand Gourishankar of Children’s National Hospital and professor at George Washington University is the keynote speaker. He will address the health impacts of vehicle emissions. The conference will also feature a panel discussion and breakout sessions on the opportunities available to save money while reducing your carbon footprint.
Register today to learn how easy it is to shrink your travel emissions!
| |
|
You can help keep the shelves at food banks, food pantries, and soup kitchens stocked to provide food for our neighbors struggling with food insecurity in our community by joining the Virtual Stuff the Bus until the end of September.
Restock the shelves of local food pantries to meet the needs of our community.
To participate in the virtual Food Drive, donations can be made directly to the nonprofit organizations listed on Volunteer Fairfax's page.
| |
ECHO Food Collection
and Shredding Event
| |
|
Area non-profit ECHO will host a food collection drive and shredding event on Saturday, September 28, from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at Burke Presbyterian Church (5690 Oak Leather Drive, Burke).
Information about requested items can be found on ECHO's website.
| |
EcoFlicks with Supervisor Walkinshaw | |
|
Did you know that nearly 40% of all the food produced ends up as waste? To understand why and consider possible solutions to the problem, sign up to attend the free documentary screening of "Just Eat It, A Food Waste Story," this Monday, September 30, 7:00 –9:30 p.m. at Cinema Arts Theatres (9650 Main Street, Fairfax). This film combines education and entertainment, inviting viewers to rethink their relationship with food and its impact on society.
Supervisor James Walkinshaw will deliver opening remarks before the film, and other local government officials will share information about options that are being considered locally after the screening. The film explores our obsession with expiration dates and perfect produce, while highlighting the urgent need for change.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own empty drink and popcorn containers, which they’ll be able to use for drinks and popcorn at the concession stand. Let’s help make this a ZERO WASTE event!
The film is sponsored by Climate Action Now for EcoFlicks. Watch the documentary's trailer and then sign up for the free event today.
| |
Community Wellness Center Clinics | |
|
Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation (MCCP) is a public/private non-profit that connects kids to a medical and dental home and a wide range of vital resources.
MCCP empowers uninsured children in Fairfax County to improve their health and well-being and realize their potential to learn, grow, and thrive.
MCCP has an upcoming Community Wellness Center Clinic for children without dental insurance who are ineligible for Medicaid on October 2 from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the MCCP Community Wellness Clinic at the Annandale United Methodist Church's Mission Center (7901 Heritage Drive, Annandale).
For more information about the clinics or the organization, visit MCCP's website.
| |
Into the Light Candlelight Vigil | |
|
Join Bethany House of Northern Virginia for their 4th Annual Into the Light Candlelight Vigil for Domestic Violence Awareness on October 3, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Fairfax Courthouse Grounds (4110 Chain Bridge Road, Fairfax).
At this year's Into the Light Candlelight Vigil, Bethany House will be joined by the families of Silent Witnesses, women who have lost their lives to domestic and intimate partner violence, to tell their stories.
Sign up for the free event or check out more on Bethany House's website.
| |
Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube | | | | |
