Today is Veterans Day and I’d like to thank each and every veteran who has served our nation. Your sacrifices -- and those of your families -- are deeply appreciated. There are a number of activities taking place across Fairfax to honor our veterans. In Braddock, those who served, and their families, can enjoy complimentary admission to the Audrey Moore RECenter.

By transitioning to modern electric landscaping equipment, Fairfax County facilities will be quieter, cleaner, and safer for our residents to enjoy! Read my full statement.

The Board also authorized a public hearing on Tuesday, December 7, to consider expanding the real estate tax relief program for seniors and people with disabilities by raising the income/net worth threshold levels, adding a new 75% tax relief bracket, and offering a new option to defer property tax payments. Increasing the net worth threshold will allow more retirees with 401ks and other retirement accounts to participate in the relief program. The senior tax relief program was last updated in 2006.

I have been a strong advocate for the deferral program because it is a win-win. It will help seniors living on a fixed income to age in place right here in Fairfax, and the county will recoup the full tax owed -- plus modest interest -- when the property is sold or transferred.

Would you like to testify during the hearing? Visit Fairfax County’s website and sign up now. Learn more about this program by visiting Fairfax County’s News Center.

In November’s Braddock Beacon Newsletter, I shared information on ways children ages 5-11 can get vaccinated. With the holidays around the corner, now is a great time for all eligible people to get vaccinated or get a booster. At the moment, appointments are required for all vaccinations at County locations, and:

Supervisor James Walkinshaw

The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination announced the winners of the 2021 Environmental Excellence Awards. Each year, the Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individual county residents, county employees, and organizations or businesses who advance or support the county’s environmental goals and policy statements, dedicate personal time and expertise beyond their normal fiscal and civic responsibilities, and demonstrate leadership within the community.

This year, the Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) selected six awardees. These individuals and organizations have demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the improvement of our natural environment, raising awareness of key environmental issues in our area and inspiring others to take action.

The 2021 Environmental Excellence Award recipients are:

Learn more about the award recipients by visiting the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination's website.

In November, Fairfax County recognizes the critical role of family caregivers as partners in care and acknowledges the importance of providing services to support caregivers of older adults & adults with disabilities during a time that can be complicated and stressful. This year’s theme is “Caregiving Around the Clock.”

Learn about National Family Caregivers Month and Family Caregiver Support Programs.

Friends of Accotink Creek and the Fairfax County Restoration Project will be holding another Clean Up event along Americana Drive in Annandale tomrrow, Veteran’s Day, Thursday, November 11, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Interested in helping out? Sign up to volunteer!

Sign in will be set up at Americana & Patriot Drive. All volunteers MUST sign in as part of their VDOT permit requirement. Students needing community service hours must sign in AND sign out at that location. Friends of Accotink Creek will be forwarding more information as they get closer to the event.

America Recycles Day is recognized on Monday, November 15 throughout communities across the country. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 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.

Join Fairfax County for a Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Ask the Experts panel on Monday, November 15, at 7:00 p.m. Come ask the recycling experts your questions and concerns and learn more about what you can do to improve our recycling community. Watch live on Facebook.

On Wednesday, November 17, The Braddock District Council will hold their monthly BDC meeting at 7:30 p.m., virtually.

The main topic for this month will be a presentation by the County's Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES). DPWES will share information about the process of switching over these services from a private company to the County, and the current trash service impacts on the County. There will be opportunity for questions following the presentation.

Click HERE to Join the Meeting 

Meeting ID: 847 0528 0359 

Passcode: 880675 

Students can submit an innovative or creative project as individual or a team. The deadline to submit the initial proposal is Monday, December 6. Final proposals are due February 22, 2022. The Shark Tank event will be held in April 2022. The winning projects will receive a cash prize. More details are available at Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge. 

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. If you have any questions, please contact Irma Mejia-Lewis at the Braddock District office at (703) 429-9300.