Dear Neighbor,
Earlier this week, I was proud to join my Board colleagues alongside professionals and advocates to raise awareness of the Emergency Substantial Risk Order (ESRO) a.k.a. Red Flag Law. Virginia's Red Flag laws allows for the temporary removal of firearms from someone who poses a threat to themselves or others. If you know someone who has access to a firearm and may be a threat to themselves or others, please speak up. Learn more at our Red Flag Law website.

As Chair of the Council to End Domestic Violence, my role is to support the professionals and community advocates who are doing the day-to-day work of ending domestic violence in our community. When an abuser has access to a firearm, a homicide is five times more likely to occur. That’s why this mission is so important, and why we need to spread the word about the ESRO law.
Omicron Variant

This holiday season, as we prepare to gather with friends and family, we need to do everything we can to stop the spread of COVID-19. The Fairfax Health District is currently at a high level of transmission and case numbers are trending upward.

By now you are likely aware of the rapid spread of the Omicron variant. The Board of Supervisors received a presentation from the Fairfax Health Director this Tuesday. You can review the presentation or watch the video.

While we still have more to learn about Omicron, we know that vaccination remains the most important public health action to stop the spread of the virus and prevent serious illness or death. I encourage everyone who hasn't yet done so to get their vaccine or booster shot. Boosters are now available for individuals age 16 and up, and there are many vaccination opportunities for residents age 5 and up. Here are a few ways to find vaccinations:


In addition to vaccination, a layered mitigation strategy is recommended, including practices such as physical distancing, good ventilation, appropriate mask-wearing, testing, hand washing, staying home if sick, and following CDC travel guidelines.

Neighborhood College

In partnership with Fairfax County's Neighborhood and Community Services, I am excited to host the return of Neighborhood College starting next February. This free certificate program is a great opportunity to learn more about Fairfax County government and practical ways you can get involved in your community. I encourage you to view the flyer and sign up today.

As the year comes to a close, unless there is urgent news to share, we will give your inbox a break by not sending an Advisory next week. Happy Holidays!

Read below for more information on:

  • Audrey Moore RECenter Survey
  • Neighborhood College
  • NAACP Toy Drive December 18
  • School-Located Vaccine Clinics
  • Blood Drive December 21
Yours in service,
Supervisor James Walkinshaw
Audrey Moore RECenter Renovation and Expansion Survey Closes December 17
The Audrey Moore RECenter Renovation and Expansion Survey is available until Friday, December 17. Please take the survey today and share it with a neighbor. Your feedback will help ensure that a renovated Audrey Moore RECenter meets the needs of the community for years to come. Learn more about the project and its timeline by visiting Fairfax County Park Authority’s website.
Neighborhood College Returns
For more information, please contact Tareque Obaidullah at (703) 533-5750 or Tareque.Obaidullah@fairfaxcounty.gov, or Sally Kidalov at (703) 425-9300 or Braddock@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Fairfax County NAACP Toy Drive
The Fairfax County NAACP will collect toys this holiday season in order to set up a "Joy Store" for children in the community to shop for their holiday gifts. On Saturday, December 18, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., they will be collecting toys and gift cards at Braddock Hall located at the Braddock District Supervisor's Office (9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, Virginia 22015).

There will be 2-6 volunteers staffing the toy drive. Consider donating!
School-Located Vaccination Clinics
Fairfax Health District and Fairfax County Public Schools are hosting COVID-19 vaccine clinics at schools for students ages 5-11 years.

Here is what you need to know before you go:
  • The clinics listed below are providing COVID-19 vaccines for children 5-11 years of age. Attendees are not required to be a student at that school. All children, including those who attend private schools or are home-schooled, are welcome. Vaccines will not be available for those 12 years and older. 
  • Second doses are available for children 5-11 years of age at least 21 days after receiving their first dose. However, you must bring your child's COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card to receive a second dose. 
  • No appointment is necessary, as registration will take place on site. If you arrive after all vaccine has been administered at a particular clinic, please visit www.vaccines.gov to find a vaccination location nearby, or call the Fairfax County Health Department's vaccine call center at 703-324-7404.
  • All vaccinations are free! If you have insurance, please bring a copy of your insurance card with you to the clinic. However, if you do not have health insurance, you will not be charged anything to receive the vaccine.
  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or another responsible adult at all community vaccination sites.

Upcoming clinics in or near the Braddock District (click here for complete list):

  • Friday, December 17, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. at Keene Mill ES, 6310 Bardu Ave, West Springfield, VA 22152
  • Saturday, December 18, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Lynbrook ES, 5801 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA
  • Wednesday, January 5, 4:30 - 7:00 p.m. at White Oaks ES, 6130 Shiplett Blvd, Burke, VA 22015
  • Friday, January 7, 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. at Keene Mill ES, 6310 Bardu Ave, West Springfield, VA 22152
  • Saturday, January 8, 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at Lynbrook ES, 5801 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA

Blood Drive at Burke Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, December 21
The Burke Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department's final blood drive of 2021 will be on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at 9501 Old Burke Lake Rd, Burke, VA 22015. Appointments are still available - sign up at the INOVA Blood Donor Services website.
Annandale United Methodist Church
Food and Clothing Distribution
The Annandale United Methodist Church's Mission Center hosts a weekly food distribution, and they are requesting donations of gently used children’s coats of all ages and sizes, empty egg cartons (1 dozen container), and adult diapers of all sizes (they will take partially open packages).
 
Want to help? You can drop off your donations at the Annandale UMC Mission Center at 7901 Heritage Dr. Annandale VA, 22003, Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. If the Mission Center is closed or no one is available there are 2 donation boxes located outside the two red doors, where items can be left. You may also drop off your donations at the Braddock District office at 9002 Burke Lake Rd. Burke, VA 22015, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m. A donation box will also be located outside the Braddock District office for after-hours drop offs.
If you have any questions, please contact Irma Mejia-Lewis at the Braddock District office at (703) 425-9300.
Help a Local Family in Need This Holiday Season
Local nonprofit Britepaths provides necessities and a variety of supports to help Fairfax County and Northern Virginia residents stay in their homes and work toward financial self-sufficiency. This holiday season, the organization is seeking donations of funds and gift cards to help 500 local families in need enjoy festive holiday meals and gifts for their children.
Britepaths will provide gift cards to social workers at its Fairfax County Public Schools partner schools in Fairfax, Annandale and Falls Church to distribute to families at their schools with identified need. To donate or learn more, visit: the Britepaths website. Contact 703.273.8829 or info@britepaths.org with questions.
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