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October 22, 2025
Neighbors,
Affordable housing is one of my top priorities as many of you know, and I joined the Board of Supervisors three years ago in setting our ambitious goal to create 10,000 net new affordable housing units by 2034. I also have a Hunter Mill-specific goal of 1,000 net new affordable homes.
As Fairfax County pushes forward on our countywide goal, I joined a new, informal “Pro-Homes Caucus” on Sunday to champion state legislative solutions for affordable housing.
I pledged my support along with 20 other elected officials from across Northern Virginia and the state, including state senators, delegates and other county and city officials. (See the photo where you’ll recognize many of these elected leaders, and I'm towards the far left.)
We stood up for housing at the Virginians Organized for Interfaith Community Engagement’s “Homes for All Assembly.” Nearly 1,000 community members, faith leaders and housing advocates attended this event at Floris United Methodist Church.
VOICE is a nonpartisan coalition of more than 48 faith and community groups in Northern Virginia, and Sunday’s rally was co-sponsored with the Commonwealth Housing Coalition and the Fairfax County Federation of Teachers.
In addition to calling for more affordable housing overall, VOICE also advocates for making it easier for faith communities to build housing on their properties.
Here in Fairfax County, Chairman Jeff McKay recently proposed this same idea in his new broader affordable housing initiative. (Read his full motion that was approved by the Board with a few additional verbal requests.)
I support his idea to streamline the process for faith communities to colocate affordable housing on their properties — but I also believe we need to maintain community involvement. (Read more about my position on this issue.)
We’ll be discussing and exploring this idea further next spring when the county executive presents a roadmap for the Chairman’s housing initiatives.
Stay tuned since there will be more details to come as the Board digs in on practical ways to get more affordable homes for all.
Regards,
Walter
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- Vote Early Saturday & Sunday
- Food for Federal Workers & Contractors
- Fairfax County Public Schools Job Fair Oct. 28
- Drug Takeback Day Oct. 25
- Ashgrove Trail Closure in November
- What's News in Vienna
- Events and Activities
| | Early Voting Offered This Weekend | |
Food for Federal Workers and Contractors | |
What’s happening: To support federal employees and contractors affected by the government shutdown, the Capital Area Food Bank is offering additional food distributions across the region starting this week until the shutdown ends.
In Fairfax County, visit United Community, 7511 Fordson Road Alexandria on Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
To receive food, you need to show a government work ID.
What’s available: At each location, the food bank will provide 150 boxes of shelf-stable goods and an equivalent number of boxes of fresh produce.
Other assistance sites: Other nonprofits and faith organizations are also providing food to anyone who needs it, not just federal employees and contractors. Some of these groups are listed below, and check my How to Help Your Neighbors webpage for others that provide assistance too.
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Capital Area Mobile Food Bank: Food is given out on the second Saturday of the month at 8:30 a.m. at the Stonegate Village Apartments parking lot, 2244 Stone Wheel Drive, Reston. Food is distributed until supplies are gone. (Usually, this distribution event occurs at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center, but it is currently closed until early next year.)
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St. Anne’s Episcopal Church: The church provides non-perishable food Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. On the third Thursday of every month, non-perishable foods, fresh vegetables, fruits and toiletries are offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, call their office at 703-437-6530.
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Heritage Fellowship Church: Their SHARE Food Program offers high-quality groceries at discounted prices monthly, available to everyone. Limited quantities are available, so don’t wait to place your order by email. Food packages are distributed at Heritage Fellowship Church, Dogwood Elementary School and Beacon Hill Baptist Church.
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Cornerstones: The nonprofit operates a pantry at 11484 Washington Plaza West, Suite 120, Reston. Food is given out Monday through Friday, as well as the first Saturday of each month. Call 571-323-1400 for more information.
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RestonStrong: The group hosts its free market on Sundays from 2 to 4 p.m. Food is placed on tables in the Lake Anne Plaza parking lot during non-winter months. In the winter, food is given out at the Reston YMCA.
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First Baptist Church of Vienna: The church recently launched its Operation Daily Bread, distributing food for the first time last Monday. The next distribution date hasn’t been scheduled yet, but it will be posted on the church’s website or social media accounts when determined. Support their efforts by donating online.
Shutdown specials: Restaurants across the region are offering free and discounted meals for federal employees during the shutdown, including the ones listed below. (Check with these restaurants and offers are subject to change.)
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Thompson Restaurants: 20% off in-store purchases until the shutdown ends at its 14 restaurant brands, including Matchbox, Makers Union, Wiseguy and Big Buns. You must show your government work ID.
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Honeygrow: 20% off for federal employees at all locations in Virginia and Maryland. Select “pay at register” at checkout on the kiosk and present a valid government-issued ID.
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Taco Bamba: Buy one taco and get a second for free for federal employees who show their official ID at checkout.
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TGI Fridays: TSA and air traffic control workers can receive one free meal per day from a curated menu of favorites when presenting a valid TSA or ATC ID at more than 80 TGI Fridays locations, including the one at 13071 Worldgate Drive in Herndon.
| | Fairfax County Public Schools Job Fair Oct. 28 | | |
What’s happening: Attend a Fairfax County Public Schools job fair on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center.
This career fair focuses on current and future operational positions, including HR, payroll and accounting, administrative and front office staff, interpreters, electricians, plumbers and more.
Job openings: Find current job opportunities online. New and current vacancies are posted each Wednesday afternoon.
More info: Contact the FCPS Department of Human Resources using their online web portal or call 571-423-3000.
| | Drug Take Back Day Oct. 25 | | |
What’s happening: Dispose of your unused or expired medications conveniently and confidentially on Drug Take Back Day, Sunday, Oct. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring them to:
Why it matters: You can help prevent drug misuse and accidental poisoning and protect the environment.
Drugs accepted: Prescription and non-prescription pills, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed, small liquid packs/pods for e-cigarettes and vaping devices, prescription ointments, and medications for pets.
| | Old Courthouse Branch Stream Restoration Nearly Complete. Trail Closure Scheduled in November. | | |
What’s happening: As the restoration project for Old Courthouse Branch Stream nears completion, Ashgrove Trail will be closed where it crosses over the new culvert for about two weeks in November. Scheduled for Nov. 4-15, the closure will allow for the installation of handrails.
Background: This stream restoration project included stabilizing the channel to prevent future erosion, replacing the culvert under Ashgrove Lane and repairing the trail. The restoration site is located in Ashgrove Park south of the Dulles Access Road and Leesburg Pike. (See this map with the project area marked in blue.)
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Traffic Alert: Lawyers Road Closed for the Next Two Weekends
Lawyers Road between Hunter Mill Road and Garrett Street will be closed to traffic during the next two weekends from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day:
- Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 25-26
- Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 1-2
The Virginia Department of Transportation will close the road — weather permitting — to replace a drainage pipe.
Traffic will be detoured via Hunter Mill Road and Vale Road/Malcolm Road NW back to Lawyers Road. If you need to reach properties along Lawyers Road, you will have access — but you will not be able to go beyond the point of the pipe replacement (located near the property at 10374 Lawyers Road, just east of Whippoorwill Road) in either direction.
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“Vienna in 1775” Panel Discussion Oct. 25
Ever thought about what Vienna was like on the cusp of the Revolutionary War? Join ViennaVA250 for a free panel discussion with historians and archivists on Saturday, Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at the Vienna Community Center Auditorium.
You’ll take a deep dive into Vienna’s history and learn about the people who lived in the area, what the local economy was like, and how daily life, ranging from residents’ religion to the court system, all led to the Declaration of Independence and Vienna’s role in our nation’s birth. Afterwards, you’ll sample period foods from 1775, including Indian pudding, ham biscuits, queen’s cake, ginger cookies, and onion pie
Vienna’s Halloween Parade Oct. 29
Join Vienna's Halloween Parade on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at 7 p.m. on Maple Avenue. If you wish to march in the parade, meet at 6 p.m. at United Bank, 374 Maple Avenue, East.
The theme of this year’s parade is “Broadway on Maple,” a nod to the theatre and arts community in Vienna. It’s an opportunity for you to celebrate your favorite Broadway shows and characters with costumes and float designs.
To keep pedestrians and parade-goers safe, temporary metal fencing will be placed on each side of Maple Avenue. As a result, an expanded seating area will be available. Review the parade route and expanded road closures.
| | Stay Informed and In Touch | |
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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