Dear Neighbor,

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, and I would like to express my deep appreciation and admiration for all who have served our nation in the Armed Forces, and the families who have stood beside them.

I invite you to read about ways that Fairfax County and our regional partners support veterans and military families through career and business development opportunities, assistance to those in need, offering free admission tomorrow to the County's RECenters, and more.

Election Recap

I'd also like to thank everyone who voted and who helped to administer this Tuesday's elections. We experienced some setbacks from Richmond in the form of inaccurate voter notices and late-submitted voter registration updates, but our local election officials overcame those challenges to ensure a smooth and safe election.

It takes thousands of Election Officers to make a Fairfax County election happen, and anyone who has seen the process up close can attest to the professionalism and reliability of the balloting system in the capable hands of Election Officers from both parties. You can view the unofficial results (to be certified in the coming weeks) on the Department of Elections website.

Meeting on the Braddock Road Multimodal Improvement Project

We receive frequent requests for updates on the Braddock Road Multimodal Improvement Project, which has been in development since 2014 and is now in the hands of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Mark your calendars for November 29 at 7:00 p.m. I'll be joining VDOT for their public information meeting to discuss the latest plans, particularly for the critical Braddock Road intersections at Burke Lake Road, Rolling Road, and Wakefield Chapel Road/Danbury Forest Drive. This will be an opportunity to learn more, provide input, and have VDOT answer your questions about the project.

Continue reading below for more information on:

• Weather Update
• Last Day to Nominate for Best of Braddock Awards
• Scouting for Food - November 12
• Home Smoke Alarm Basics
• Winter Coat Drive
• Americana Drive Cleanup - Rain or Shine
• Fairfax Recycles Day is November 15
• VDOT Road Closures
• Fairfax County Police Updates
• Panel Conversation for Veteran Family Caregivers
• AARP Caregiving Webinars
• Public Health Information

Supervisor James Walkinshaw

The remnants of Tropical Storm Nicole are not expected to have significant impacts on our region, but it has the potential to bring widespread rain and wind gusts. Residents are encouraged to keep storm drains clear of leaves and debris to avoid potential flooding.

Rain is expected to begin early Friday, near sunrise, and continue on and off into late Friday evening. A storm of this nature also brings the possibility of high and/or damaging wind gusts and thunderstorms that may present localized hazards. Check the County's Emergency Information website for the latest local forecast.

Today is the final day to nominate your neighbors and fellow Braddock residents who contribute to making our community a better place to live, work, and play. Best of Braddock nominations can be submitted through this form. 

Categories include:

• Braddock District Citizen of the Year
• Braddock District Young Person of the Year
• Neighborhood Enhancement or Beautification in the Braddock District (Individual Homeowner, HOA/Community Association, or Other)
• Most “Can-Do” Public Employee Working on Issues in the Braddock District (Federal, State, or Local)
• Club or Organization Making a Difference in the Braddock District

Please submit your completed nominations to [email protected].

The National Capital Area Council, Boy Scouts of America, Scouting for Food campaign is their council's largest annual service project. They have teamed up again with their sponsor, the Safeway Foundation. This locally-coordinated campaign supports local food banks and pantries throughout the council area.

On Saturday, November 5, 2022, Scouts placed sticky notes on area doors. If you received a note, please place your donations visibly on your porch by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 12 and Scouts will be by to collect them. Because they were unable to canvass the entire area, if you didn't receive a note and would like to donate, please drop off your donations at the collection point in the Safeway parking lot at 5272 Burke Centre Parkway on Saturday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and noon.

Food items should be non-perishable and in unbreakable containers (no glass jars please). All food donations stay local. Please help the boys and girls in your local BSA units in this needed service project.

You've probably heard that when you change your clock for the beginning and end of Daylight Savings Time, it's also the recommended time of year to check that your smoke alarms are working. But you may have further questions about what smoke alarms to install and how to maintain them. The Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department has shared a helpful short video to answer your smoke alarm questions.

A box for coat donations will be located by the interior door to Supervisor Walkinshaw's office at 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015.

The annual Veterans Day Americana Drive Cleanup event hosted by the Fairfax County Restoration Project will go on as scheduled, rain or shine, on Friday, November 11 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

The sign-in table will be at Patriot and Americana Drives. The Vistas of Annandale is offering their business center as a comfort station for volunteers. FACETS is providing a van. Dress for the weather and join your Braddock District neighbors and community partners for a good cause on Friday, November 11.

Each year on November 15, millions of people across the United States take part in America Recycles Day. The day raises awareness about recycling and the purchasing of recycled products. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency website, since 1960, the recycling rate in America has increased from less than 7 percent to a current rate of 32 percent, and recycling and reuse activities account for 681,000 jobs and $37.8 billion in wages.

To celebrate this day, Fairfax County has a variety of activities including a photo contest! Click here for more information on how to enter. 

The Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project construction continues throughout the corridor during daytime and overnight hours as weather conditions allow. 

Traffic Pattern Changes

• The loop ramp from Braddock Road/Walney Road to I-66 East has reopened. Details
• The ramp from I-66 West to Stringfellow Road is planned to close at 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 10. The ramp will reopen as an Express Lanes-only ramp before the end of the year. Details

Significant Upcoming Traffic Impacts

• Overnight ramp closures are planned at the following I-66 interchanges: I-495, 495 Express Lanes, Nutley Street, Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road), Route 50, Route 286 (Fairfax County Parkway), and Route 28. Details

The Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project will add express lanes stretching 22.5 miles from the Capital Beltway to Route 29 (Lee Highway) in Gainesville, rebuild major interchanges along the I-66 corridor, create thousands of new park and ride spaces, and expand trail options for cyclists and pedestrians. Learn more at Transform66.org.

All work is subject to change based on weather and schedule. Find the latest information on travel conditions and work zones by visiting 511virginia.org.

Additional Lane Closures

I-495 North at I-66 

Tonight through Saturday, November 12: 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. 

Three lanes will be closed for overhead gantry installation. Drivers should expect periodic stoppages during the overnight hours. 

Ramp from I-495 North to I-66 East 

Thursday night, November 10: Midnight to 4:00 a.m.

The ramp will be closed both nights for paving repairs. Traffic will be directed to continue north to Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) East, travel about one mile, then follow signs to I-66 East. 

Ramp from I-495 North to I-66 West

Thursday night, November 10: Midnight to 4:00 a.m.

The ramp will be closed both nights for paving repairs. Traffic will be directed to continue north to Route 7 West, stay to the right to I-495 South, then follow signs to I-66 West.

Ramp from I-495 South to I-66 West 

Thursday night, November 10: Midnight to 4:00 a.m.

The ramp will be closed both nights for overhead bridge work. Traffic will be detoured farther south to the exit to Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard) East, stay to the right to Fairview Park, take the left fork to Fairview Park North, bear left at the traffic signal, stay to the right following signs to I-495 North and I-66, then follow signs to I-66 West.

495 Express Lanes North from Robinson Terminal (beginning of Express Lanes) to I-66

Today through Saturday, November 12: 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m.

The northbound 495 Express Lanes will be closed each night for overhead bridge work at I-66. Overhead signs will direct drivers to alternative routes. 

Woodrow Wilson Bridge

The Woodrow Wilson Bridge is scheduled to have several maintenance openings tonight, November 10, between 11:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Expect delays and consider alternate routes. 

This week's Chief's Spotlight video shows the work of our Animal Protection Police and patrol officers in saving the life of an 11-year old golden retriever. Click the image to watch the video:

As listed in the November edition of the Braddock Beacon, the West Springfield District station is hosting a number of upcoming community events, including:

West Springfield District Let's Talk Meeting

November 17, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.

Join on Zoom - Password: 206030

Or Telephone: Dial: (877) 402-9753, Conference code 404496

Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE)

November 18, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.

Join on Zoom - Password: 120209

Or Telephone: Dial (877) 402-9753, Conference code 404496

If you have any questions, feel free to contact MPO Tony Capizzi at the West Springfield District Station at (703) 277-2363.

The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging is pleased to announce a new Panel Conversation for Veteran Family Caregivers. 

Title: Veteran Family Caregivers: Exploring Unique Challenges and Resources

Date & Time: Friday, November 18, 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. on Zoom 

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, “there are almost 5.5 million caregivers caring for Veterans, and 96% of those caregivers are women. 70% provide care to a spouse or partner, and [they] provide care for an average of 10 years.” Veteran caregivers play a critical role in supporting the health and wellbeing of returning wounded warriors. In this panel conversation, participants will explore the unique challenges they face and learn about different resources available to help them in their journeys. 

Register at:

https://bit.ly/AAAPanel

Join AARP for a special webinar to celebrate National Family Caregivers Month.

Making Cents of Caregiving Costs

Tuesday, November 29 at 12:00 p.m.

Get the most out of AARP’s Financial Workbook for Family Caregivers. In this informative and educational session, you will be introduced to essential information caregivers need to more easily manage some of the complexities of caregiving. Over the course of the presentation, the AARP Financial Workbook for Family Caregivers will be reviewed, you will learn how to incorporate financial tips into your caregiving, and additional resources will be provided. By the end of the session, you should have the confidence to make your own plans, as well as a better understanding of how to plan for your care recipient. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of the AARP Financial Workbook for Family Caregivers and a copy of AARP’s Prepare to Care Guide.

RSVP here

Seasonal Flu - Get the Vaccine

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a highly contagious infection of the breathing system (nose, throat and lungs) caused by flu viruses.

Seasonal flu is caused by viruses that already circulate among people. Most people have some immunity and a vaccine is available to help prevent the flu. In the United States, flu season usually starts in late fall and lasts throughout the winter, sometimes into early spring. Each year, more than 200,000 people in the U.S. are hospitalized from complications of the flu, and about 36,000 die as a result.

Health experts urge everyone 6 months of age and older to get a flu shot this year and every year.

See: CDC's Frequently Asked Flu Questions: 2022-2023 Season. 

Where to Get a Flu Vaccine

Flu vaccine is available now in the community, including at pharmacies, doctors' offices, and grocery stores. Find a location near you using vaccines.gov.

The Health Department is offering flu shots for children and adults by appointment only. Call (703) 246-7100.

The following fees will apply for a flu vaccine at the Health Department: Uninsured: $25 adults & $21.24 children; Private Insurance: $30. Most health insurance plans cover flu shots for free. The Health Department is out-of-network for private health insurance. If you have private health insurance, you are encouraged to get the flu vaccine at an in-network provider. 

Omicron Resistant Bivalent Booster Available for Individuals 5 Years and Older

The Fairfax County Health Department is accepting appointments for individuals 5 years and older to receive the new Pfizer Bio-N-Tech COVID-19 Bivalent Booster shot. If you would like to vaccinate yourself or your child, appointments are available at the Fairfax County Government Center and South County Hyland Center and Health Department district offices.  Schedule your booster appointment at the Fairfax County Health Department website.

The CDC recommends a single dose of the new COVID-19 bivalent booster at least two months following a completed primary series or previous booster vaccination. The bivalent vaccines, also known as “updated boosters,” target the Omicron’s BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants, as well as the original COVID-19 strain. The updated Pfizer booster is for people ages 5 and over and the Moderna version is for those 18 and older.

Changes to County Vaccination Center Hours

With COVID-19 vaccines now widely available at pharmacies, urgent care centers and medical providers throughout the community, clinics located at the Government Center and Hyland South County Center have scaled back their hours of operation.

Starting the week of November 7, both vaccination sites moved to three days each week. Specific times/days of operation are:

Hyland South County Center (8350 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA 22309)

• Mondays (noon – 5:45 p.m. walk in hours, appointments can be made 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.).
• Tuesdays and Wednesdays (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. walk in hours, appointments can be made 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.).
• *Site will now be closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22035)

• Thursdays (noon – 5:45 p.m. walk in hours, appointments can be made 11:30 a.m. – 6:15 p.m.).
• Fridays and Saturdays (9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. walk in hours, appointments can be made 9:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.).
• *Site will now be closed Sunday, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Additional schedule changes due to upcoming holidays will be:

• Veterans Day Holiday (Nov. 11): Government Center clinic will be closed.
• Thanksgiving Holidays (Nov. 24-26): Government Center clinic will be closed (only Hyland South County Center Clinic will be open that week on Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday).

Permanent Closures in December

It is also important to note that both the Hyland South County and Government Center Clinics are scheduled to permanently close in December 2022.

• Final day for Hyland South County Center: Wednesday, Dec. 14
• Final day for Fairfax County Government Center: Saturday, Dec. 17

Health Safety Precautions

Now is a good time to take advantage of these Fairfax County clinics, before the holiday season begins and everyone spends more time indoors. Even if you or your child or family member has had COVID, vaccination is still strongly encouraged as it provides added protection against the virus that causes COVID-19. Vaccination is one clear way to provide everyone, six months and older, with increased protection from severe illness.

As seasonal viruses spread this fall and winter, everyone is urged to take health and safety precautions (in addition to vaccinations) to prevent spread:

• Use tissues and dispose of them properly.
• Cover your mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, or cough into your upper sleeve.
• Do not cough or sneeze into your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds.
• Use alcohol-based hand sanitizers when soap and water are not available (with supervision for younger children).
• Do not share drinking glasses or eating utensils.

Mobile Testing Continues

At this time, the Health Department continues to offer COVID-19 testing through its mobile laboratory partner Curative at locations throughout the County.

• Testing is recommended for individuals who are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
• No appointment is necessary; if you wish to make an appointment, you can do so on the Curative website.
• No identification required.
• No out-of-pocket costs.
• PCR tests are offered (no rapid tests are available).

The mobile testing lab rotates between sites each day. Visit the Health Department's COVID Testing Page for dates, times and locations.

Stay Informed About COVID-19

• Contact the Fairfax County Health Department Call Centers Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., for questions about COVID-19 (703-267-3511) or vaccines (703-324-7404). You also can email [email protected].
• Text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19; text FFXCOVIDESP to 888777 for updates in Spanish.
• Visit a web portal for coronavirus that serves as a one-stop online resource for information.
• Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage or FAQ page.
• Follow the Fairfax County Government Fairfax County Government Facebook Page and Health Department Facebook Page.
• Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter.