Happy Almost-New Year, Burke Neighbors. Let’s Step into 2026 with Purpose

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Happy Almost-New Year, Burke Neighbors.

It’s that transitional week between Christmas and New Year’s—where the decorations linger, the leftovers abound, and you’re reflecting on the year ahead. Whether you’re celebrating at midnight tonight or enjoying a quiet evening, this edition is packed with timely updates: key deadlines, local NYE options, and practical tips to start 2026 on a strong note. Let’s wrap up 2025 thoughtfully and move forward with clarity.

Thank you for the tremendous growth—over 400 subscribers, driven by your shares and contributions. This is becoming the go-to resource for our community. Have insights on new businesses, events, or local issues? Send them to [email protected].

Your responses from last issue were insightful—many favor low-key gatherings like family games, backyard views, or a serene toast at Burke Lake. If you're still deciding for tonight (Dec 31), here's a selection of nearby options:

For more, see NoVA magazine's list of celebrations with fireworks in Alexandria or Falls Church. Remember to plan safe transportation.

Between December 31 and January 6, Burke offers unique ways to mark the new year, blending outdoor activities with local dining traditions—from early morning nature excursions to community favorites for post-hike meals.

The focal point is Burke Lake Park, a local treasure for escaping busy roads with scenic lake views.

More info: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/burke-lake. Trails open daily for self-guided walks.

Several landmarks are open on New Year’s Day, serving as popular spots for residents after morning activities. (Always confirm hours.)

Let’s cover the essentials to avoid surprises as we enter 2026.

Friday's (Jan 2) service shifts to Saturday (Jan 3) due to the holiday. Christmas trees: Remove decorations and place curbside on yard waste Mondays (first two weeks of Jan)—no bags. Use rodent-proof containers; mark with house numbers. No hazardous materials. Large items? Call ahead for mostly free pickups; fees for appliances ($35), fridges ($50), freezers ($70). Inclement weather delays resume next scheduled day. Contact Patriot at 703-257-7100 or Conservancy at 703-978-2928/[email protected].

Rec centers: 5 AM–4 PM on NYE (Dec 31), 11 AM–6 PM on Jan 1—no classes or drop-ins. Golf, visitor centers (e.g., Burke Lake limited NYE, closed Jan 1), nature sites closed both days. Frying Pan Farm: 9 AM–5 PM NYE, closed Jan 1. Details: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/holiday-hours.

Fairfax County's 4% Food and Beverage Tax applies to prepared meals from restaurants, food trucks, caterers, grocery delis, and similar spots—think sandwiches, hot foods, or ready-to-eat items (not raw groceries or sealed beverages). It's designed to fund local services; businesses collect it on sales and remit monthly, with a 3% discount for timely filing through 2027. If you're a business owner, register online starting Jan 2 to comply. Consumers: Expect it on dine-in, takeout, or delivery in unincorporated county areas (not towns like Herndon or Vienna). More: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/business/foodandbeverage.

Several changes could impact daily life, from wages to health and tech. Minimum wage rises to $12.77/hr (from $12.41), benefiting hourly workers while tipped employees remain at $2.13 base (total must meet min). Social media apps get default 1-hour daily limits for under-16s, with parental overrides. Breast cancer screenings (mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs) become free of co-pays/deductibles for insured Virginians. Baby food manufacturers must test for heavy metals and disclose results. Text spam opt-outs strengthen—reply "STOP" for 10-year protection. Unemployment benefits increase by $52 weekly max. Courts must offer itemized fine breakdowns upon request in criminal/traffic cases. Full list: https://www.wric.com/news/virginia-news/these-new-virginia-laws-go-into-effect-on-jan-1-2026/.

Your input has been invaluable—spring seasons are gearing up, and New Year’s brings fee changes. Secure spots early to ensure participation.

Highlight: NVGSA Softball (Spring 2026)
Free for K–1st in 6U. Registration opens Jan 1:
https://www.nvgsa.org/Default.aspx?tabid=1563034

Field Hockey
BAC Field Hockey: Open now for grades K–8—a developmental program on Sunday evenings for kids to try something new.
https://www.burkeathleticclub.org/field-hockey

Baseball
West Springfield Little League: Regular closes Dec 31; $25 late fee Jan 1–14.
https://www.wsllbaseball.net/Default.aspx?tabid=1440515

SYA Little League (Baseball & Softball): Ages 5–18.
https://syasports.org/sports/baseball/little-league/

Fairfax Little League: Open now.
https://www.fairfaxll.org/

Soccer
BAC Rec: $115 early ends Dec 31; $125 Jan 1–Feb 28.
https://www.burkeathleticclub.org/rec-soccer

SYA Rec: $15 off early + sibling discounts.
https://syasports.org/sports/soccer/recreational-soccer/

Fairfax Sportsplex Indoor: Deadline Feb 9.
https://www.fairfaxsportsplex.com/product/youth-recreation-soccer-registration/

Lacrosse
Burke Athletic Club: Early ends Dec 31 (K–2: $105→$120; 3–8: $160→$175).
https://www.burkeathleticclub.org/lacrosse

Braddock Road Youth: www.brlax.com
Virginia Lacrosse Club: www.vlcrabs.com

Basketball
SYA House: Open through Jan ($180–190 + fees); $25 late Feb.
https://syasports.org/sports/basketball/sya-house-basketball/

SYA Travel: Opens Feb.
https://syasports.org/sports/basketball/sya-travel-basketball/

Flag Football
BRYC: Early ends Feb 1; closes Feb 20.
https://clubs.bluesombrero.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1385594

Other Options
i9 Sports (Burke/Fairfax Station): Starts April.
https://www.i9sports.com/venues/burke---fairfax-station-burke-youth-sports-programs/6332

Chantilly Youth: Open now.
https://www.chantillyyouth.org/registration

Share missing leagues at [email protected].

Heads up for VRE riders—major changes start Jan 12, 2026, due to the Long Bridge project. The last two morning trains will end in Alexandria. Check full schedules: https://www.vre.org/schedule/.

One-stop shopping for next year’s options—free event with directors from local programs (Truro, Guidepost Montessori, Burke UMC, Kiddie Country, and more).

When: Jan 9, 9:30 AM–noon
Where: Mothers’ Day Out Preschool (5424 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station)
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/share/14UDqv8MWet/

A few local promos worth knowing (always double-check for updates):

Fairfax County Rec Centers: 15% off annual memberships Jan 1–31.
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/passes

Onelife Fitness (Burke): Membership tiers and promotions listed on-site.
https://www.onelifefitness.com/gyms/burke-va

Olympus Fitness (Burke): Advertised rates listed on their site.
https://olympusfitnesscenters.com/

Jazzercise (Fairfax Police Association Fitness Center): New Year offer listed on their page.
https://www.jazzercise.com/studio/va/fairfax-police-association-fitness-center

Plan ahead for these five days. Here’s a roundup of local camps for K–12—register early for availability.

(Your camp list stays here as written.)

Start a folder for W-2s, 1099s, receipts (childcare, mortgage, donations, medical). Free help: Fairfax VITA for incomes under $69K; AARP Tax-Aide for 50+ or low-moderate earners. Locators: IRS VITA or AARP sites. County libraries guide to options at fairfaxcounty.gov.

Burke's market closes 2025 stable—affordable relative to neighbors, with slight dips creating opportunities. Median sale price: $651K (down 0.6% YoY); price per sq ft: $335 (down 7%). Inventory low at 40–50 listings, homes moving in 30–36 days.

Recent closings (Dec examples):
5254 Queens Wood Dr: $915K—updated colonial, quick sale.
9060 Brook Ford Rd: $875K—spacious home near parks.
10124 Lakehaven Ct: $1.425M—luxury with upgrades.

2026 outlook: Modest 1–5% growth from hybrid work and DC proximity.

Local real estate professionals, if you have insights on emerging trends or neighborhood specifics, share via [email protected]—we'd welcome featuring them in future snapshots.

January is the strategic month for Burke homeowners. Taking these steps now ensures a healthier landscape when the ground thaws.

Order Seeds Early: Inventory your remaining seeds and order new ones now. Popular varieties often sell out by February.

Indoor Seed Starting: Late January is the time to start slow-growing cool-season crops indoors under lights. Focus on onions, leeks, and perennial flowers. You can also start broccoli and cabbage toward the end of the month to have them ready for March transplanting.

Dormant Pruning: Structure-prune deciduous shade trees (Maples/Oaks) and evergreens (Holly/Boxwoods) while they are dormant.

Do Prune: Summer-blooming shrubs like crape myrtles and roses.
Do NOT Prune: Spring-bloomers like azaleas or lilacs; pruning now will remove this year's flowers.

Soil Testing: Know what your soil needs before applying fertilizer. Pick up a Virginia Tech Soil Test Kit at the Pohick Regional Library or Burke Nursery.

Tool Maintenance: Clean and sharpen hand tools now. Sharpening mower blades now avoids the long wait times at local repair shops in April.

Winter Bird Care: Keep bird feeders filled and clean bird baths regularly (every two weeks) to prevent the spread of disease.

Expert Tips Wanted: Local gardening experts, if you have additional guidance on January preparations suited to Burke's soils, drop it at [email protected]—we could incorporate it in upcoming editions.

Winter Sales: Nurseries like Merrifield or Burke Nursery often have winter sales for mulch—a great time to stock up for spring beds.

Looking Ahead: February 2026 Sneak Peek
Chamber Networking: The Burke Chamber of Commerce hosts its first Business After Hours on February 5 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM.
Valentines at the Park: Specialized park events, including a Valentine's Stargazing Stroll at Lake Accotink Park on February 14.
Lunar New Year: Frying Pan Farm Park will host a Lunar New Year Celebration on February 8 starting at 6:00 PM.
Roadwork Milestone: The Burke Road Realignment project construction remains in full swing through the winter as it moves toward late 2026 completion.

Braddock District School Board vacancy—special election coming. Stay informed:
https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/office-elections

From last week's ask on intersections/parking: Braddock/Old Keene Mill topped the list for backups and merges. Runners-up: Rolling Rd lights and Giant lot congestion. Positives: Trails and events continue to shine. Wishes: More upscale dining options.

What’s your family’s New Year tradition that sticks—a hike, meal, or goal? Share at [email protected]—we’ll feature highlights.

Happy New Year, Burke. Wishing you a year of progress, community, and fewer surprises.

See you next week,
Pete
The Burke Beat

P.S. Share with a neighbor—we’re building this together.