Friends:

Like so many of you, this is one of my favorite times of the year. As we gather for a delicious meal amongst family and friends, it is a moment to think about what we are truly thankful for.

For me, first and foremost I am thankful for my family. My wife and children are there for me every single day, and they make me who I am. I could not be luckier.

I am thankful for the generous people of Fairfax County who regularly put their time, expertise, and funds in service to those less fortunate than them. Through the many non-profit organizations that partner with our County agencies, these folks go out of their way to ensure that basic needs are met when individuals and families are in crisis.

Volunteers helping via Volunteer Fairfax's BusinessLink

I am thankful for our remarkable 15,000+ Fairfax County staff. Every day these dedicated public servants work to handle tasks both big and small, all with a mind to delivering government services efficiently and effectively. From public safety to environmental protection to affordable housing, I am proud to lead a county where so many good people are working in these important jobs.

As we close another election season, I am thankful for the remarkable work done by our Fairfax County Office of Elections and our General Registrar Eric Spicer.

Our fantastic Office of Elections team

In the best of circumstances, holding elections is a demanding, exacting task. As laws change and as our politics become more bellicose, elections staff face a myriad of challenges, many unexpected and at times very unfair. This year our team of pros encountered multiple problems including errors by the Virginia Department of Elections that created tremendous confusion and threatened delays for Fairfax County voters. Eric and his team worked overtime to send out corrections and process the registrations so that every voter was enfranchised and, just as important, every vote counted.

This year 3,200 Fairfax County residents took advantage of our first-ever same-day voter registration program. This is a fantastic addition to our democratic process, and our Office of Elections processed each new registration and ensured that every legal ballot was tallied. I cannot say enough about how exceptionally well Eric and his team worked under tremendous pressure.

Democracy can be messy, but with the Fairfax County Office of Elections, our residents can be assured that their votes are counted and the results are accurate. Thank you for all you do!

I wish each and every one of you a joyous

and festive Thanksgiving.

• Hypothermia Prevention Program
• Wolf Trap Annual Holiday Sing-Along

What’s happening? Every year the cold winter weather poses a threat to our most vulnerable residents. In response, Fairfax County has issued the Hypothermia Prevention Program. This program has provided warm food, shelter, clothing, and other supportive services for the homeless during the winter months since 2005.

What else should I know? Fairfax County’s Hypothermia Prevention Program will open every day, countywide, starting on December 1st until March 31st. The County has multiple emergency shelters for individuals and families who are homeless, and you can find the full list of shelters here. We have a "no-turnaway" policy; no one needs to sleep in the cold.

What can I do to help? The most important thing you can do is make sure you spread awareness to other community members and those in need. We have informational flyers in English and Spanish.

If you see someone who is unsheltered and at risk of hypothermia you can call the FCPD non-emergency phone number at (703) 691-2131.



If it is an emergency, please dial 911.

For more information, please visit the Hypothermia Prevention Program.

What's happening? While evenings at the Filene Center usually evoke balmy summer evenings, Wolf Trap is opening up its frosty gates next week for its Annual Holiday Sing-Along!

Sounds great! When is it? The Sing-Along will take place Saturday, December 3rd at 4PM (gates open at 3PM). Even better, it’s FREE!

Who will be there? The Sing-Along will be led by “The President’s Own” United States Marine Corps Band along with local choirs and vocal groups. There will be Christmas carols, Hanukkah songs and more to get you in the festive holiday spirit!

Anything else? This wonderful family event is co-sponsored by the Marine Corps’ “Toys for Tots” so if you can, please bring a new unwrapped, unopened toy to donate for those less fortunate.

Any more information? You can go here for more details. Happy Melodic Holidays to everyone!