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Dear Neighbor, 

It is hard to believe that tomorrow is the 25th anniversary of September 11th. For many of us, especially those who were living in the area at the time, September 11th is still one of those days where we remember exactly where we were when we heard the news – I was a sophomore in high school in the middle of Jim Senger’s class on, of all things, the “History of the Modern Middle East” when the announcement hit over the loudspeakers at school. Tomorrow is an important moment to remember the people we lost and the families they left behind, the people who gave their lives to save others, the selflessness of our first responders, and the communities that came together in the days and years that followed. 

One of the lasting lessons of 9/11 is a recognition of the importance of being prepared. National Preparedness Month was established in its aftermath, and every September it serves as a reminder that preparedness isn’t just the responsibility of government and first responders, though, in truth, it is arguably our most important responsibility here at the local government level. This year’s theme in Fairfax County is “Fairfax Stands Ready,” with a simple idea that preparedness starts at home.  

Emergencies can happen at any time, and taking a few steps now can make a real difference when something unexpected happens. Do you have a plan for where your family will go and how you’ll communicate if you’re separated? Is your emergency kit stocked with food, water, medications, and important documents? Are you signed up for Fairfax Alerts so you can receive emergency and severe weather notifications? 

If you’ve got those things covered, consider taking the next step by getting involved in our community. Fairfax County’s Volunteer Emergency Team (VET) and Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD) network provide opportunities to help our neighbors prepare and respond when emergencies occur. 

The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security is also asking residents to take its Emergency Preparedness Survey. Your responses will help the County improve its programs, resources, and outreach. 

I know emergency preparedness can feel like one more thing on a never-ending to-do list, but you don’t have to do everything at once. Whatever you choose, taking one step today can make a difference when it matters most.

Tomorrow, Fairfax County will mark that solemn day with 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at our Public Safety Headquarters. I will also be attending the annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at the Great Falls Freedom Memorial at 7pm to honor the six residents of Great Falls lost that day and all others with a keynote address by Vice Admiral Michael Franken, United States Navy, Retired.  

As we remember the lives lost on September 11th and honor the courage of individuals who stepped up to help, let’s also remember one of the most important lessons that emerged from that day: we are stronger when we look out for one another. 

All the best,

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Jimmy in the Community

Katie's Cars and Coffee

Middle Eastern Food Festival

Town Halls

National Suicide Prevention Week: Mental & Behavioral Health Resources

During National Suicide Prevention Week, we’re reminded that connection can make a difference. 💛

If you or someone you care about is struggling, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Reaching out, listening without judgment, and knowing where to turn for support can be powerful first steps.

We’ve gathered a series of mental health and crisis resources to help you find support for yourself, a loved one, or someone in our community.

Connect with a Free Individual Care Navigator

Hopelink's newest Care Navigation program links youth and families to behavioral health and substance use services to decrease barriers and challenges that make it difficult to connect to care. Fairfax County residents under the age of 25 are eligible for this program. For more information visit this website, call (703)-468-0040, or email youthcarenav@hopelinkbh.org.

Find Local Providers & Resources Near You

Access a free specialized database at this website. Enter your zip code to find children's/youth behavioral health and physical health resources, and other local resources, in your area.

September 13-25

Construction at Westmoreland St. and Kirby Rd.

Milling and paving work at the intersection of Westmoreland Street and Kirby Road will take place from September 13-25 from 8:00 p.m to 5:00 a.m. Monday thru Friday (Saturday and Sunday until 9:00 a.m.)

This work is part of a larger pedestrian safety and infrastructure improvement project requested by the community along Westmoreland Street from Kirby Road to Lemon Road. Please slow down, as road conditions will change during construction. For more information, please visit this website. Thank you in advance for your patience during construction.

Student Bus Passes Offer Free Transportation

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. Children 12 and younger ride for free on Fairfax Connector with a paying adult. For more information visit this website.

Fairfax Connector Expands Transit

Fare Assistance with TRIP100

Fairfax Connector has announced the launch of TRIP100, a new Transit Ridership Incentive Program that provides qualified Fairfax County residents with a 100% fare discount on Fairfax Connector bus service. The new program, supported by a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), replaces the previous TRIP program, which provided a 50% fare discount on Fairfax Connector.

Fairfax County residents interested in the program can visit the TRIP100 webpage to review eligibility requirements as well as full terms and conditions.

Fairfax County Deer Management Program

The Fairfax County Deer Management Archery Program will begin on Saturday, September 12 and will run through Saturday, February 13, 2027. Conducted under the oversight of the Fairfax County Police Department in partnership with the Park Authority, NOVA Parks, and other public landholders, the program will operate in more than 100 locations countywide, including parks. Its goal is to stabilize the white-tailed deer population and reduce safety and health risks associated with deer overpopulation. Learn more about the program here.

Early Childhood Programs

Looking for early childhood education programs? Not sure where to start? Take a look at the many services offered by searching for care here and using this chart as a quick reference for information on the publicly funded childcare programs near you!

Fairfax County Seeks Input on Strategy to

Prevent and End Homelessness

The Fairfax-Falls Church Continuum of Care seeks public input on the draft of its strategic plan, “The Way Home Fairfax.” The plan describes how the Fairfax-Falls Church Continuum of Care will work to prevent and end homelessness from 2026 to 2031 across Fairfax County, the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, and the Towns of Clifton, Herndon, and Vienna. It focuses on four goals:  

1. Helping people who are homeless now find stable housing faster
2. Preventing homelessness before it happens
3. Improving support for people who have experienced homelessness the longest
4. Building public understanding and support for solutions that work.

Input can be provided via an online survey through Friday, September 18.

Help Shape the Future of Alabama Drive Park

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites the community to provide input on proposed improvements to Alabama Drive Park in Herndon. Public comments will be accepted online from through Saturday, October 10 at 5 p.m. The Park Authority plans to begin revitalization work at the park in spring 2027. The proposed project includes several improvements designed to enhance the park’s recreational opportunities and address existing site needs, including:

• Converting the rectangular field (Field #3) to synthetic turf.
• Replacing the playground equipment.
• Making drainage improvements.

Additional improvements may be incorporated into the project as funding allows, including:

• Parking lot and trail repairs.
• Basketball court repairs and restriping to add a futsal court.
• A new picnic shelter.
• New site furnishings.

September 10: McLean District Station

Community Advisory Committee Meeting

Want to be more involved with the McLean District Station Fairfax County Police Department? Consider joining their Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

CACs enhance communication between residents and the FCPD and offer residents a chance to dialogue with members of their local police districts. For more information regarding your local police district's CAC meetings, click here.

This month's meeting at the McLean District Station will include a presentation from the Victim Services Division.

September 10: Beyond Back-to-School: Navigating Anxiety, Routines, and School Avoidance

Parents, it’s that wonderful time of year—the start of a new school year! But for many families, the transition isn’t always easy. Join the Safe Community Coalition for Beyond Back-to-School: Navigating Anxiety, Routines, and School Avoidance, a free and supportive conversation for parents and caregivers.

The shift from summer freedom to the school-year routine can be challenging for the whole family. Local mental health professionals will share practical strategies for:

• Managing back-to-school anxiety
• Creating routines that work for your family
• Recognizing and addressing school avoidance
• Maintaining your own peace of mind as a parent or caregiver

Register here to gain professional insights, share experiences, and take away practical tools to support your family’s mental health and well-being.

Presented by McLean Community Center in partnership with the Safe Community Coalition. Facilitators: Carey Hitchcock, LCSW, and Becky Kohm, M.A.T., Ed.S.

Thursday, September 10

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

September 10 & 26: (Not) Strictly Painting 15

Opening Reception and Artist Talk

McLean Project for the Arts (MPA) will open (Not) Strictly Painting 15 on September 10, 2026. Now in its 15th iteration, (Not) Strictly Painting celebrates the depth and breadth of paintings, or works related in some way to paintings. This biennial exhibition features pieces from 39 artists throughout the Mid-Atlantic area. RSVP here for the Opening Reception and/or Artist Talk.

Opening Reception

Thursday, September 10

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Artist Talk

Saturday, September 26

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

September 10-13: Tysons Library Book & Media Sale

Come join the Friends of Tysons Library for our biggest sale yet! 30,000 books, puzzles, games, graphic novels, DVDs, CDs, LPs.

• Proceeds benefit the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library and related activities.
• Donations of books and media appreciated!
• Volunteers welcome and needed!

For more information, please visit this website, email tysonslibraryfriends@gmail.com, or cal 703-338-3307.

Thursday, September 10-Sunday, September 13

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22043

September 11: Come From Away Film Screening

The Alden Theater is hosting a free film screening honoring the 25th Anniversary of 9/11. Filmed live on Broadway, the Tony Award-winning musical tells the remarkable true story of 38 flights grounded in a small Canadian town on 9/11. Undaunted by culture clashes and language barriers, the people of Gander take care of stranded travelers with food, shelter, and the knowledge that we all “come from away.” For more information about this event and others at Alden Theater, visit this website.

Rated: PG-13.

Runtime: 1 hour 46 minutes

September 12: Fall Community Parking Lot Sale

Too much stuff? Not enough space? This parking lot sale has more than 60 vendors. Clean out the closet and join your friends and neighbors as a vendor for this fun community event. Residents selling gently used household items are welcome.

Register here by September 4 to participate!

Saturday, September 12

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

September 12: Community Health and Wellness Fair

The Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center is hosting a free community health and wellness fair with the goal of promoting wellness together! This fair will offer opportunities to:

• Discover a wealth of community and health services and programs available in your neighborhood. Learn how to take important preventive steps to ensuring good health.
• Connect with local organizations, clinics, and experts dedicated to your family's well-being.
• Indulge in delicious culinary flavors and vibrant music of our community. Family-friendly games and raffle prizes, too!
• The Department of Human Resources will provide information on employment opportunities in Fairfax County.

Saturday, September 12

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center

1086 Elden St.

Herndon, VA 20170

September 12: Basset Rescue Fall Festival

Basset Rescue of Old Dominion is having its annual Ramble Fall Festival event. Registration opens at 9:30 a.m. and dog contests begin at 10:00 a.m.--costume, pie eating, and other contests. The famous Basset 500 race starts at 1:30 p.m. Food, raffles, silent auction, raffle baskets and more. Come out with your family and dogs and support our rescue work.

Saturday, September 12

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Frying Pan Farm Park

2709 West Ox Rd.

Herndon, VA 20171

September 14: DMV Connect at the Herndon Library

Can't make it to the DMV? DMV is coming to you! The Virginia DMV will be at the Herndon Library to offer many services that are usually available at DMV offices including: REAL ID Drivers' Licenses, ID cards for adults and children, disabled parking placards, address changes, vehicle titles & E-Z Pass Transponders. 

Appointment and walk-in services will be available between 10:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m. (Closed for lunch from 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.)

Visit this website to make an appointment.

Monday, September 14

10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library

768 Center St.

Herndon, VA 20170

September 14: Disability Inclusion Fair

Teens and young adults with disabilities along with their family and friends are invited to a special event.

Come learn about:

• Services and programs
• Job opportunities
• Education and training
• Recreation and fun activities
• Other resources available after high school

The event will include:

• A live performance by Elvis tribute artist and disability advocate Alex Presley
• Guest speakers from different backgrounds who will share their stories and give support to individuals and families

Registration is encouraged, but not required.

Monday, September 14

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls 22066

September 14: Proposals Due for Mini-Grants for Youth-Led Anti-Stigma Initiatives

The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board is offering mini-grants for youth-led projects to reduce stigma among their peers, with support from the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia which is funded by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. These mini-grants will fund youth-planned, youth-led projects within Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and Falls Church City to be completed by May 21, 2027. A total of $6,000 is available, for requests not to exceed $1,000 each. Proposals are due September 14, and awardees will be announced October 1. Apply here.

September 15 - 16: Open Auditions for The Alden's Professional Teen Improv Company

Calling all high school students with a passion for comedy! (the) Unruly Theatre Project (UTP) is The Alden’s professional teen improv company, bringing live comedic performances and community programs to audiences throughout the area.

Company members are paid for performances and rehearse twice a week from late September through May. In addition to performing at venues including art galleries, cafés, and the Old Firehouse Center, members gain hands-on experience in areas such as marketing, stage management, and photography.

Open to 9th-12th graders only.

Open Auditions: Register here. No prepared monologue is required. Headshots and resumes are welcome but not necessary.

Questions? Email alden@mcleancenter.org.

September 16: AARP Let's Lunch Together

You’re invited to join AARP at Mylos Grill in McLean to enjoy lunch together with other friends and neighbors. The goal of AARP's monthly lunch together is to foster community spirit and combat social isolation.

No stuffy seminars or sales pitches—just relaxed camaraderie with fellow AARP members and new friends. 

Enjoy a 20% discount on the entire check. Each guest will be responsible for their own lunch cost. Come as you are and leave as you wish anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. 

AARP kindly asks that you register here so they can give the chefs and restaurant staff a heads up!

Wednesday, September 16

11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Mylos Grill

6238 Old Dominion Dr.

McLean, VA 22101

September 16 & October 19: Community Conversations with Superintendent Reid

Your voice matters, and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid wants to hear from you! Registration links will be shared soon by FCPS. Childcare and interpretation services will be provided. Events are one hour long and open to all. There will be two community conversations at Dranesville District schools or schools that Dranesville District students attend.

Wednesday, September 16

6:45 p.m.

McNair Elementary School

2499 Thomas Jefferson Dr.

Herndon, VA 20171

Monday, October 19

6:30 p.m.

Spring Hill Elementary School

8201 Lewinsville Rd.

McLean, VA 22102

September 19: Mingle at the Mill

Registration is now open! Celebrate Great Falls’ annual fundraiser to benefit this circa 1811 still-operating grist mill, will be another amazing sold-out event with lots to experience - including our first ever Taste of Great Falls with some local favorites.

Tickets include all food, drink & spirits tasting.

• Taste of Great Falls with: The Cellar, Great Falls Creamery, Great Falls Lodge, Mookie’s, Old Brogue, Oliver’s Corner & Thelo Greek Kuzina
• Vintage truck whiskey barrel open bar with Lost Barrel beer & hard seltzers, signature cocktails, & local wines 
• Spirits & whiskey tasting from Open Road Distilling Co.
• Candlelit history walk of this stunning property
• Silent auction with something for everyone
• Live jazz band-King Street Syncopators
• Blacksmithing demo
• Whiskey still demo 
• Spinning and sewing demo
• Old-fashioned Cider Press

This is an adults-only event. Parking is limited. Please consider carpooling with a friend or using Uber/Lyft.

All profits benefit The Friends of Colvin Run Mill and their future projects and renovations. 

Volunteers are needed to help with this event. If you can help on the day of the event, please click here to sign up.

Saturday, September 19

6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Colvin Run Mill

10017 Colvin Run Road,

Great Falls, VA 22066

September 19: Runnymede Park & Stream Cleanup

Calling nature lovers! We're looking for volunteers for our park & stream clean up at Runnymede.

Join Herndon Parks and Recreation on Saturday, September 19 from 8:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. as we work together:

• Trash pickup
• Paint signs, tables & benches
• Remove invasive plant species
• Get ready for Naturefest!

Herndon Parks and Recreation will bring gloves, trash grabbers, bags, hand sanitizer, and any tools. You bring a water bottle, a friend and be sure to wear closed-toed shoes! 

Saturday, September 19

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Runnymede Park

195 Herndon Pkwy,

Herndon, VA 20170

Thru September 19: Stuff the Bus

Did you know that nearly 68,000 Fairfax County residents live below the federal poverty level? The need for food is REAL in Fairfax County. Help us Stuff the Bus to fight hunger on Saturday, September 19th! 

This year's Stuff the Bus events will take place at Supervisor district offices countywide. If you can't make it on September 19th, you can stop by our office at the McLean Governmental Center, Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to donate non-perishables or gift cards!

Saturday, September 19

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

McLean Governmental Center

1437 Balls Hill Rd,

McLean, VA 22101

September 19: Estate Planning Essentials

Join local attorney Margaret O’Reilly for an accessible introduction to the key documents that help you plan for future health and personal decision-making. With over forty-five years of experience in estate planning and elder law, Margaret will explain the purpose of tools like “like advance medical directives, durable powers of attorney, and wills, as well as cover common planning pitfalls. This program is ideal for anyone looking to better understand how to make their wishes known and ensure clarity for loved ones.

Registration not required, but available here if you would like an email reminder.

Saturday, September 19

11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library

768 Center St,

Herndon, VA 20170

September 19: OFC Block Party

Celebrate the end of the season with the OFC Block Party! This outdoor community celebration brings classic block party energy to downtown McLean with live music, games, activities, food, giveaways and fun for all ages. Gather with friends and neighbors for an afternoon filled with entertainment, laughter and the welcoming spirit that makes McLean such a special community.

Featuring:

• Music
• Giveaways
• Games
• Food
• Amusements
• Crafts
• Children's Business Fair
• And more!

Saturday, September 19

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Old Firehouse Center

1440 Chain Bridge Rd,

McLean, VA 22101

September 21: How Local Government Works: Insights from Supervisor Bierman & Mayor LeBlanc

September 23: Understanding the County: A Talk with Dranesville Supervisor Jimmy Bierman

September 25: Movie Under the Stars

Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and picnic dinner or favorite snacks for a cozy evening under the open sky. The event opens at 6 p.m. with fun activities for all ages, including face painting, arts & crafts, and community tables. The movie will begin shortly after sunset. It’s the perfect chance to relax, laugh, and enjoy a great film together with friends, family, and neighbors. We hope to see you there for another magical night in McLean Central Park! Parking is located at MCC or the Dolley Madison Library.

For more information or to register, visit this website.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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