Dear Neighbor,
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and today, October 21, is Purple Out Day, a day of action to raise awareness. We're asking County residents to post pictures on social media wearing purple while spreading messages of hope. Would you like to join?
Make a sign sharing a message of support for survivors. Take a photo of yourself wearing purple with your sign and share it using the hashtag #PurpleOut.
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Watch a Domestic Violence Awareness Video Message from Supervisor Walkinshaw |
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Election Day
As of today, 13 additional early voting locations have opened throughout the County and will remain open until Saturday, October 30. Please consider using the opportunity to vote early at any of our in-person early voting locations. Please see below for detailed information and hours of operation.
Prefer to vote by mail? Mail-in ballot requests for the November 2 election must be received by tomorrow, Friday, October 22 at 5:00 p.m. You can request your mail-in ballot online.
Public Feedback Sought on Lee Highway, Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway Names
The Fairfax County Confederate Names Task Force wants your feedback on whether Lee and Lee-Jackson Memorial highways should get new names and what those names should be. There are various ways to provide your thoughts, including an online survey, four in-person community listening events, and by email. Be on the lookout for a countywide mailer this month to encourage feedback on this issue! Continue reading below for additional details on how to participate.
Redistricting and Collective Bargaining Ordinance
At this week's Board of Supervisors meeting, the Board authorized a public hearing on November 9 to hear public comment on the draft plans submitted by our non-partisan Redistricting Advisory Committee. You can learn more here and find ways to share your feedback here.
After months of work, collaboration, and feedback, the Board approved a collective bargaining ordinance that will allow employee groups to reach agreements with the County regarding wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Local government collective bargaining occurs in 47 states and was banned in Virginia until new legislation was passed by the General Assembly in 2020. Giving workers a voice will improve the quality of services we provide by helping us to retain our best people and giving those on the frontlines opportunities to help us make improvements in how we operate.
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Read below for more information on:
- Public Feedback Sought on Lee Highway, Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway Names
- Survive to Thrive Event
- Celebrating Halloween While Protecting Your Health
- Community Meeting on McKenzie Avenue Rezoning
- Submit Nominations for Best of Braddock
- This Saturday is National Drug Take Back Day
- Police Interaction Practice for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Fair Housing Public Forum
- Public Hearing on Proposed Redistricting Plan Slated for November 9
- Lake Braddock Secondary School Homecoming Parade
- Haga Su Comunidad más Amigable Ante la Demencia
- Fairfax Connector Offers Express Routes to Downtown DC and the Pentagon
- November Election Information
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Supervisor James Walkinshaw |
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Public Feedback Sought on Lee Highway, Lee-Jackson Memorial Highway Names |
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The Fairfax County Confederate Names Task Force wants to hear from County residents on whether Lee (Route 29) and Lee-Jackson Memorial (Route 50) highways should get new names. The task force is looking for feedback in various ways, including an online survey, and community listening sessions.
Residents will find a countywide mailer in their mailbox this month to encourage feedback on this issue.
You can share your thoughts on this topic with the task force through Friday, November 12, in the following ways:
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Taking a survey online now. Printed copies will be available beginning Wednesday, October 20, at Fairfax County libraries and Supervisor district offices.
- Mailing comments to Fairfax County Department of Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22033
- Calling Fairfax County Department of Transportation at (703) 877-5600, TTY 711
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Attending a listening session to share your thoughts on this topic:
- Thursday, October 28, 2021, 7:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m.
- Providence Community Center, 3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax, VA 22031
- Public Transit Access: Metrobus Route 2B
- Saturday, October 30, 2021, 10:00 through 11:30 a.m.
- Fairfax County Government Center, Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA 22030
- Public Transit Access: Metrobus Routes 1C; Fairfax Connector Route 605
- Monday, November 1, 2021, 7:00 through 8:30 p.m.
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Online via Webex or
- Call 1-844-621-3956 (toll free); Access Code: 2339 357 4472
- Thursday, November 4, 2021, 7:00 p.m. through 8:30 p.m.
- Sully District Governmental Center, 4900 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly, VA 20151
- Public Transit Access: Fairfax Connector Routes 640 and 642
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Join Shelter House Saturday, October 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 11924 Braddock Road as they raise critical funds in partnership with Expectation Church for the survivors they serve at Shelter House in honor of Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
The event will be held outdoors (safely) and will be a day the entire family can enjoy. Feel free to come on by to enjoy delicious food, fun kid activities, live music, and more!
If you are not comfortable attending the event in-person, there will be a drive-thru option to show your support and make a donation.
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Celebrating Halloween While
Protecting Your Health
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are ways to enjoy Halloween traditions this year while protecting your health. The best way to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19 and possibly spreading the virus to others -- is to get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. You can also wear a mask indoors when there is substantial or high levels of community transmission. Visit Fairfax County's Emergency Information website for a complete list of Halloween health guidelines.
While trick-or-treaters under 12 aren’t eligible for vaccine yet, this fun tradition can be done safely if:
- families keep activities outdoors
- trick-or-treaters wear a cloth or surgical mask (don’t rely on a costume mask to protect you)
- avoid crowded doorsteps,
- wash hands before eating collected candy.
For a healthy Halloween, consider the tips below:
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Community Meeting on
McKenzie Avenue Rezoning
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On Monday, October 25, Supervisor Walkinshaw will host a virtual Community Information Meeting on a proposal by Sekas Homes, Ltd. to build an R-2 Cluster development along McKenzie Avenue in Fairfax. The meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. To connect, use the information below or the link the Braddock District website.
Password: 474806
To join by telephone
(602) 333-0032
(888) 270-9936 (US Toll Free)
Conference code: 194172
The 6.51-acre site is located along McKenzie Avenue, east of the Estates at Leewood, west of the Robertson Farm subdivision, and south of Lee Highway. It consists of four properties developed with three abandoned single-family dwellings. The applicant has proposed rezoning the property from R-1 to R-2 Cluster to allow 11 new lots with single-family detached houses. Access would be provided through a public street extending from an existing stub off of Robertson Farm Circle. A second access point would connect to Lee Plaza. Stormwater management is proposed to be handled through installation of an underground detention facility. A trail connection would be provided to Fairfax County Park Authority land to the southeast.
All are invited to attend this meeting to learn more about this project and offer your thoughts. A Planning Commission hearing has been scheduled for December 1.
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Submit Nominations for Best of Braddock |
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The Best of Braddock has been an annual event for residents to honor their neighbors who have shown remarkable community spirit. Each year, the Braddock District Council and the Braddock District Supervisor’s office join efforts to recognize those in the Braddock District who make our community a better place to live and work. Due to the pandemic, the annual Best of Braddock event was not held last year. It's coming back this year on Wednesday, December 8, as a virtual event. Please submit your nominations for the categories listed below:
- Young Person of the Year
- Organization Making a Difference in the Braddock District
- Neighborhood Beautification, Enhancement or Community-Building Effort
- Braddock District Citizen of the Year
Nominations should be submitted to braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov by close of business on Friday, October 29, 2021. A link to the December event will be posted closer to the event date. |
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This Saturday is
National Drug Take Back Day
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This initiative, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), educates the community about the potential for abuse of prescription medications while providing a safe, convenient, and responsible means for disposing of unused and expired medication.
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Police Interaction Practice for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities |
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Years of data indicate that people with disabilities are more likely to encounter law enforcement and struggle to navigate that interaction.
The Arc of Northern Virginia is partnering with the Fairfax County Police Department and the Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management again to offer an opportunity for people with disabilities and their loved ones to practice emergency situations. For this event, participants can engage in a practice police stop with real officers AND/OR a practice subject stop.
The event will take place on Saturday, October 23 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the following locations:
- In West Springfield at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 6942 Sydenstricker Rd, Springfield Va 22152
- At the Franconia Police Station, 6121 Franconia Rd Alexandria, VA 22310
- In Reston at Dogwood Elementary School, 12300 Glade Dr, Reston VA 20191
- In McLean at George Marshall High School, Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043 (Traffic Stops only)
- At the Mason Police Station, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 (Traffic Stops only)
- At the Fair Oaks Police Station, 12300 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA 22033 (Traffic Stops only)
- In the Mt. Vernon District at Walt Whitman Middle School, 2500 Parkers Ln, Alexandria, VA 22306 (Traffic Stops only)
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Fair Housing Public Forum |
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Fairfax County invites you to attend a community forum to learn about the Regional Fair Housing Plan and provide input on housing issues important to you and your community. Join on Thursday, October 28 from 6:30 p.m. through 8:00 p.m. for community discussion and input on the following topics:
- Racial and ethnic segregation in access to housing.
- Access to communities with high quality schools, good jobs, and public transportation.
- Fair housing enforcement.
- Housing challenges faced by families with children and voucher holders.
- Access to housing for persons with disabilities.
You can participate by computer, laptop, tablet, smart phone or telephone.
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Public Hearing on Proposed
Redistricting Plan Slated for November 9
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The Board of Supervisors authorized a public hearing on November 9 to consider proposed redistricting plans.
These plans propose new local election districts for the Board of Supervisors and School Board, and after the new districts are adopted, they will be in place for the next 10 years. Please note, the County's redistricting effort will not change school boundaries.
There were 64 plans submitted in total by the Board-appointed committee established to recommend new maps and the public, and these plans may be reviewed through an online dashboard.
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Lake Braddock Secondary
School Homecoming Parade
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Supervisor Walkinshaw would like to remind you that Lake Braddock Secondary School (LBSS) will be hosting their annual Homecoming Parade next Friday, October 29 beginning at 5:00 p.m. The parade will go from the pool on Ashbourn Drive to the blacktop at Lake Braddock.
The parade ends with an event called Bite of Braddock -- which includes food trucks and activities.
Supervisor Walkinshaw, School Board Vice-Chair Rachna Sizemore Heizer, and Braddock School Board Member Megan McLaughlin will be participating in the parade!
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Haga Su Comunidad más Amigable Ante la Demencia |
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Dementia Friends es una iniciativa global que está cambiando la forma en que las personas piensan, actúan, y hablan sobre la demencia. Usted puede ayudar al convertirse en un Dementia Friend o Amigo de la Demencia. El Condado de Fairfax tendra una sesión informativa el viernes, 29 de octubre de 12:00 p.m. a 1:00 p.m.
Después de participar en esta sesión, los participantes podrán:
- Describir que es la demencia y reconocer cuales son los tipos de demencia más comunes.
- Enunciar los cinco mensajes clave sobre la demencia.
- Explicar un método efectivo para comunicarse con alguien que tiene demencia.
- Transformar su nuevo conocimiento en una acción simple y práctica que pueda ayudar a alguien que vive en su comunidad.
- Fecha: viernes, 29 de octubre del 2021, de 12:00p.m. a 1:00p.m.
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Fairfax Connector Offers Express Routes to Downtown DC and the Pentagon |
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Fairfax Connector offers express bus service for commuters in search of travel alternatives to the Pentagon and Downtown D.C. on routes 395, 599, 697, 698, and 699.
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November Election Information |
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In Virginia there are three different ways to vote:
1- In-Person Early voting
2- Mail-In Absentee voting
3- In-Person voting on November 2, 2021, at your local polling place.
1) In Person Early Voting
Fairfax County is now offering In-Person Early Voting at 16 locations (please see list below).
What You Need to Know:
Any registered Fairfax County voter may vote early at any Fairfax County early voting location.
Hours of operation for the main Fairfax County Government Center:
- Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 23 and October, 30 from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday, October 24 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Hours of Operation for additional 15 Early Voting Locations Below:
Monday-Friday 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. (All Locations)
Saturday October 23 and October 30 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. (All Locations)
Sunday October 24 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. (All Locations)
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Mt. Vernon Governmental Center - 2511 Parkers Ln, Alexandria 22306
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North County Governmental Center - 1801 Cameron Glen Dr, Reston 20190
- Burke Centre Library - 5935 Freds Oak Rd, Burke 22015
- Centreville Regional Library - 14200 St. Germain Dr, Centreville 20121
- Franconia Governmental Center - 6121 Franconia Rd, Alexandria 22310
- Gerry Hyland Government Center - 8350 Richmond Hwy, Alexandria 22309
- Great Falls Library - 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls 22066
- Herndon Fortnightly Library - 768 Center St, Herndon 20170
- Mason Governmental Center - 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale 22003
- McLean Governmental Center - 1437 Balls Hill Rd, McLean 22101
- Providence Community Center - 3001 Vaden Dr, Fairfax 22031
- Sully Governmental Center - 4900 Stonecroft Blvd, Chantilly 20151
- Thomas Jefferson Library - 7415 Arlington Blvd, Falls Church 22042
- Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library - 7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church 22043
- West Springfield Governmental Center - 6140 Rolling Rd, Springfield 22152
2) Voting Absentee By Mail
Visit the Vote by Mail page at the Fairfax Office of Elections website for complete details.
If you want a mail-in absentee ballot, strongly consider using the online request form or emailing/faxing the application form today (rather than mailing the application), to ensure your ballot can arrive and be returned on time.
Paper:
1. Download, print, and complete--including your handwritten signature--a vote-by-mail application
-- OR --
2. Pick up a preprinted paper application at:
Submit your completed paper application using one of these methods:
· Mail: Fairfax County Office of Elections P.O. Box 10161, Fairfax, VA 22038
· Fax: 703-324-3725
· Hand deliver: Fairfax County Office of Elections, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Suite 323, Fairfax, VA 22035
Completing your Absentee Ballot
The law requires that a witness must be present BEFORE opening your Absentee Ballot Envelope. Anyone over the age of 18 can serve as a witness.
- Open envelope – In front of your witness
- Mark your ballot using a black or blue pen. (Your witness should not watch how you vote)
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Follow the instructions on the ballot to record your votes: A) Use blue or black ink to fill in the ovals completely to mark your choices. B) If you do not wish to vote for any of the candidates in a contest or do not want to vote for an issue, skip that office or issue and leave the ovals blank.
- Vote only for the number of candidates allowed.
- If you make a mistake or lose your ballot, contact your general registrar’s office for more information.
- Once Completed, Sign and Seal your voted ballot inside envelope.
- Place your ballot inside the envelope and seal it.
- Write your full name.
- Write the address where you are registered to vote.
- You and your witness must sign the envelope.
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Fill in all spaces on the Statement of Absentee Voter on Envelope. You and your witness must both sign the envelope.
- Seal and return envelope
Returning your Absentee Ballot
Visit the Vote by Mail page at the Fairfax Office of Elections website for complete details. Ballots can be returned by mail, by commercial delivery, or at Drop Boxes.*
*Ballots must be postmarked on or before November 2.*
Ballot Drop-Off Boxes
Ballot drop-off boxes are available at all early voting locations when locations are open for voting. The drop boxes are for voted ballots which are secured in the envelope provided to the voter. All instructions in the absentee ballot must be followed.
Voted ballots may be dropped off outside the Government Center at an attended drop box during business hours. An accessible, secure drop box is installed outside the building, permitting voters to drop off their ballots 24/7.
Voted ballots may also be dropped off at any early voting site during hours of operation.
On Election Day, ballots may be brought to your regular polling place when the polls are open.
3) Voting on Election Day at Your Regular Polling Place
November 2, 2021, General and Special Elections:
- Polls are open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Election Day. If you are in line by 7:00 p.m., you will be able to vote.
Preparing to Vote
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