Ongoing Crisis in Israel and Gaza

I have been heartened to see our Jewish and Muslim communities coming together in prayer following the Hamas terrorist attack and during this awful crisis in Israel and Gaza. For the past 15 years the Northern Virginia Hebrew Congregation (NVHC) has invited Muslim worshipers from the ADAMS Center to use their facility for Jumma prayers. Earlier last week Imam Magid graciously offered to cancel last Friday’s prayers at the NVHC facility. However, Rabbi Holzman not only encouraged that they continue but attended the service personally and read his response letter (PDF), which received applause from the Muslim worshipers. Before the service, other leaders of NVHC welcomed worshipers as they entered the building for Jumma prayers. I witnessed all this and was greatly moved. 

Thank you, Iman Magid and Rabbi Holzman, for your compassion and dedication to universal human values. I also want to thank our Fairfax County Police Department for their presence to ensure everyone felt safe to worship. I hope Rabbi Holzman’s letter can be a salve for all of us during this time, and a reminder to be grateful that we live in an inclusive community dedicated to helping each other in even the most divisive of times.

Update From Congressman Gerry Connolly:

Dear Neighbor, 

As we continue to mourn the unthinkable loss of life in Israel and Gaza, my team and I are working around the clock to facilitate evacuations of American citizens and residents. You can access the latest information from the State Department here. My office is committed to doing all we can for constituents and their families in need of help in Israel and Gaza. If you or a loved one need assistance, please don’t hesitate to call us at 703-256-3071.

The Board of Supervisors held several committee meetings yesterday, Oct. 17. You can watch the meetings here and click on links below to view agendas and presentations.

• Legislative Committee
• Land Use Policy Committee
• Health and Human Services Committee
• Transportation Committee

The next Board of Supervisors meeting is Tuesday, Oct. 24. Learn more.

Join Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid for Our Schools, Our Future: A Community Conversation. Share your thoughts about Fairfax County Public Schools and bring your questions to Madison High School on Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration isn't necessary but is helpful. Childcare and interpretation services are provided based on staff availability. 

Drug Take Back Day, Saturday, Oct. 28

Mark your calendar for the popular Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There are several locations to drop off your unused or expired medications, including Reston Hospital Center, 1850 Town Center Parkway, Reston, outside Pavilion 1, rear entrance, across from Parking Garage B. Fairfax County Police officers will be on hand to assist in the safe collection and disposal of the medications. Learn more.

Explore Vienna by Bike on Oct. 22

Join the Town’s Bicycle Advisory Committee for a casual, family friendly bicycle ride around town on Sunday, Oct. 22 at 10 a.m. The 5.5-mile ride starts and ends at the Vienna Community Center. Most of the ride will be on low-volume streets. You'll also get the chance to explore a short segment of the new I-66 Trail. Bring your bike, your helmet (required) and a water bottle. Cyclists under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Halloween Parade is Next Wednesday, Oct. 25

This year's theme for the Halloween parade is "Costumes and Comics." Head to Maple Avenue from Branch Road to Center Street at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 25 to watch the parade. Costumed families who wish to march in the parade can meet at 6 p.m. at United Bank, 374 Maple Ave., E. Learn more.

Apply to be a Selection Advisory Committee Member for Consolidated Community Funding Pool

The Consolidated Community Funding Pool (CCFP) is a competitive funding process for human services programs developed and administered by nonprofits and community-based organizations. The funding allocated to organizations through the CCFP serves as an investment and catalyst for strengthening the human services network of programs available for Fairfax County residents. The county encourages residents interested in being part of the selection process to apply to be on the Selection Advisory Committee. Learn more.

Provide Feedback on Affordable Housing Funding

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority, along with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), is seeking feedback on a draft application for affordable housing funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The draft application is for “Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing” grant funds. The grant supports communities actively taking steps to remove barriers to affordable housing. The COG application is for funding to support activities that will remove barriers and increase production of affordable housing in the region. Learn more.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Help

Fairfax County's Coordinated Services Planning can help if you or someone you know needs information and/or referrals for emergency food, shelter, clothing, transportation, health care, employment or legal assistance. Call 703-222-0880

Sales Tax Holiday Weekend Finally Begins Oct. 20

Virginia's delayed sales tax holiday is Oct. 20-22. All weekend you can buy qualifying school supplies, clothing, footwear, hurricane and emergency preparedness items, and Energy Star™ and WaterSense™ products without paying sales tax. Learn more.

Family Festival at Cathy Hudgins Community Center Oct. 28

Neighborhood and Community Services is hosting a free family festival at the Cathy Hudgins Community Center at Southgate on Saturday, Oct. 28, noon to 3 p.m. The Center is located at 12125 Pinecrest Rd., Reston. Stop by to enjoy music, games, moon bounce and refreshments. Learn more (PDF)

For HOAs: Learn More about the Charge Up Fairfax Pilot Program

With more electric vehicles (EVs) on the road, Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination is launching the Charge Up Fairfax pilot program to make installing shared EV charging stations easier and more affordable in multi-family condo, apartment, cluster and townhome communities. The application deadline for Home Owner Associations (HOA) is Nov. 12. Learn more.