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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this weekend wraps up Fire Prevention Week. Breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in women and over 4 million people currently live with a history of the disease. While new treatments are advancing, Fairfax County is continuing to work with state partners and local health organizations to increase access to early diagnostic and screening tools. Due to the nature of their work, our firefighters may face increased exposure to cancer causing materials.
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Supervisor Lusk Learns about exposure to combustion materials. | | This week, I learned about the Fire Fighter Cancer Cohort Study (FFCCS). Fairfax County is one of four counties selected to participate in the Women's Gear Fit Study. The study aims to better understand how the design and fit of women firefighter's gear may impact their occupational exposures to products of combustion. Our department had the highest participation (26) among the departments involved in the study. Participants will receive a report on important information about their health and exposure risk and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will be able to better understand how we can work together to prevent cancer among our fire service. Thank you to all who serve. Learn more about FFCC's work here. | | Supervisor Lusk meets with FCCS and FRD research team. | | Firefighter study participants prepare to begin a live study. | | |
"Supporting firefighter wellness is a cancer prevention strategy when it combines promoting healthy living while reducing occupational exposures to carcinogens. This is further enhanced by creating a culture where cancer prevention is built into everyday operations and wellness efforts. The goal is to not only help our firefighters recover from the demands of the job, but to also reduce preventable exposures throughout their careers and protect their long-term health and well-being."
- Jane Bahneman, Fairfax County Public Safety Department, Women's Health Coordinator
| | In January of this year, new legislation took effect in Virginia that prohibits state-regulated health insurance plans from charging out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic and supplemental breast imaging, including diagnostic mammograms, ultrasounds, and MRIs. Learn more and find out if you qualify from the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation here. | | |
Every Woman’s Life (EWL) helps uninsured, low-income women gain access to free breast and cervical cancer screen services.
Franconia District EWL providers:
Neighborhood Health @ Richmond Highway
- 6677 Richmond Hwy
- Phone: (703) 535-5568
While this work continues, we can all:
- Stay active.
- Know your family history.
- Get regular screenings.
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Do you know someone with, or have you received a recent cancer diagnosis?
Inova’s free online 5-week program teaches tools for managing the wide variety of feelings and emotions that often show up after a cancer diagnosis.
Programs begin on October 20 and October 9 is the last day to register!
Learn more and register here.
| | It is both an honor and a privilege to serve as your representative on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. | | |
Rodney L. Lusk
Franconia District Supervisor
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Connecting with residents where they live is one of the most rewarding parts of serving as your Supervisor. I welcome invitations to attend your homeowners, civic, or community association meetings to provide updates, answer questions, and hear your priorities.
If you would like me to join an upcoming meeting or neighborhood event, please contact my office at 703-971-6262 or Franconia@fairfaxcounty.gov.
If this email was forwarded to you, consider signing up for my email list to receive newsletters and other important announcements.
| | BOS Committee Meeting Updates - October 6 | | The process of opening a new restaurant in Fairfax County. | The Audit Committee heard from staff about their evolution of the restaurant permitting process. There are clear improvements that we can make to better support new restaurants in Fairfax County. Read the draft report here. | |
At the Older Adults Committee Meeting, the Board of Supervisors heard from staff about the results of the 2026 Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults. Fairfax County Department of Family Services will begin working with the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging and SHAPE Initiative Development Committee to develop community engagement sessions to inform the next strategic plan. Stay tuned for more information on how you can participate.
| | | | At the Housing Committee Meeting we heard from staff about the strategic plan to address homelessness in Fairfax County. We will focus on prevention and identify the best ways to engage our most vulnerable neighbors with the extensive support system available across the county. Watch the meeting here. | | Va General Assembly Work Session | | Public Hearing - Dominion Energy Inc. and Next Era Energy Inc. Merger | | |
The Virginia State Corporation Commission will hold a local public hearing in Fairfax to receive comments on the proposed merger between Dominion Energy Inc. and NextEra Energy Inc.
Members of the public are invited to attend and offer comments on the proposed transaction and its potential effect on Dominion's Virginia customers.
Hearing details:
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Date: Friday, October 9
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Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
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Location: Fairfax County Government Center, Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035
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How to participate: To comment in person, you need to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start and notify the designated SCC staff that you want to testify. You do not need to provide comments in advance. Each speaker will have two minutes to comment. More information is available from the SCC.
| Fire and Rescue Station Open House | Hear from Supervisor Lusk about FRD's Open House. | On Saturday, October 10, 2026 from 10:00AM - 4:00PM join Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department for their countywide Open House at all fire station locations to meet your firefighters, experience fun activities, and learn about fire safety. | |
Visit a Franconia Fire Station:
- Franconia, Station 5 (6300 Beulah Street)
- Kingstowne, Station 37 (7936 Telegraph Road)
- Springfield, Station 22 (7011 Backlick Road)
| Affordable Housing Waitlist is open | | |
Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will be accepting pre-applications for the Project-Based Voucher waitlist at Telestar Court (2990 Telestar Ct Falls Church, VA) and The Exchange at Spring Hill (8721 Boone Blvd N, Tysons, VA). Both buildings are still under construction. The Housing Waitlist will be open from Monday, October 5, 2026, at 8 a.m. through Sunday, October 11, 2026, 11:59 p.m.
Need Help Applying?
| | VFW Franconia-Springfield Parkway Clean-up - October 3 | | Lewis Highschool students showed up and out despite the rain. | | | I joined Veterans of Foreign Wars and community volunteers to pick up litter and debris along the Franconia-Springfield Parkway. Keeping our community clean requires all of us to get involved. | | Out of the Darkness Walk - October 3 | | The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) hosted the 20th annual Fairfax Out of the Darkness Walk to bring awareness to suicide prevention. | | Celebrating the Public Art Master Plan - October 5 | | (left) Stuart Holt (ArtsFairfax President and CEO), Supervisor Bierman, Leila Gordon (ArtsFairfax Board of Directors) (right) | | Supervisor Lusk and Vance Zavela, ArtsFairfax Board Member. | | | | I joined ArtsFairfax to celebrate the completion of the Fairfax County Public Art Master Plan. Leila Gordon reminded us that public art describes who we as a community. Everyone involved worked incredibly hard to find public art solutions that will benefit each district. Learn more about the Public Art Master Plan here. | | Meeting with Heritage Hills HOA - October 7 | | Heritage Hills held their annual HOA meeting. We discussed updates to traffic, environmental, energy, public saftey and housing projects around the district. It was great to hear from community members about their concerns and excitement for the future of our district. | | Supervisor Lusk discusses community updates with Heritage Hills HOA. | | Inova Mount Vernon Hospital 50th Anniversary - October 9 | | Supervisor Lusk learns about the 50-bed behavioral health unit at Inova Mount Vernon. | | Supervisor Lusk learns about the 50-bed behavioral health unit at Inova Mount Vernon. | | Inova Mount Vernon Hospital celebrated its 50th Anniversary on October 9th. This hospital has been an important part of keeping the Franconia and Mount Vernon districts healthy. We are grateful to every staff member for their continued hard work and dedication to Fairfax residents. Inova's CEO, Dr. J. Steven Jones, and Inova Mount Vernon's President, Roberta Tinch, are dedicated to ensuring that Inova Mount Vernon remains a welcoming and high-quality healthcare provider for the Franconia district. | | Members of the Inova Board of Trustees, leadership team, Supervisor Lusk, and Chairman McKay. | | Want to work on your resume or receive career development guidance? | | Join the Job Club at the Wish. | | |
Registration for the next Building Paths Cohort is still open.
This free, 8-week construction trades program gives participants the opportunity to gain industry certifications, hands on experience, mentorship, and more. Learn more and apply here.
| | Want to know more about the WISH? | | October 15 - Annual Great Southeast Shakeout Earthquake Drill | | |
Fairfax County will be participating in the Great Southeast ShakeOut earthquake drill on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:15 AM.
Everyone is encouraged to participate in the drill to simulate what actions they would take if an earthquake was happening. At 10:15 AM, immediately protect yourself by doing the “drop, cover, and hold on” method.
Watch our earthquake preparedness video to learn about the actions to take and adapt to your situation! You want to get under a desk or table, away from objects or furniture that could fall on you. If you cannot get on the ground or back up without any help, then adapt your actions to work for you. You DROP (sit down), COVER (use a book or an object to cover your head) and HOLD ON (hold on to the chair for stability).
If you are not able to participate, ensure you know what to do if an earthquake does occur.
Read the Community Emergency Response Guide here.
| | Watch the earthquake preparedness video. | | October is Cybersecurity Month | | |
Cybersecurity threats are increasing and evolving. Keep yourself and your community safe with these tips:
- Use strong passwords
- Keep your software updated
- Avoid and report phishing scams
October 12 - Join Fairfax County Department of Family Services for Smart Strategies to Protect Yourself from Scams at Sherwood Library
Learn how to safeguard yourself, protect your money, and navigate today’s scams with greater confidence. The Fairfax County Silver Shield Anti-Scam Program is dedicated to protecting the community—especially older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers—from scams and fraud.
- Monday, October 12
- 11:00AM – 12:00PM
- Sherwood Regional Library (2501 Sherwood Hall Ln)
- Learn more and register here.
| | October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month | |
Support a Fairfax County where we are all safe, empowered and free from domestic violence.
Learn how you can support your loved ones here.
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Want to learn more about crime prevention? Join your local Community Advisory Committee to meet directly with local police officers, hear about what they are doing in the community and ask questions.
Upcoming Meetings:
- Franconia District Station (7170 Silver Lake Blvd), October 21, 2026 at 7:00PM
- Mount Vernon District Station (2511 Parkers Ln), October 21, 2026 at 7:00PM
| | Pedestrian Safety Reminders from FCPD | | |
Fairfax County Police Department has a few reminders for pedestrian safety month. Safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility. These tips can help keep everyone safe.
Tips for Pedestrians
- Cross at Crosswalks: Whenever possible, use designated crosswalks and intersections. Follow pedestrian signals and look in all directions before entering the roadway.
- Stay Visible: Make yourself easier for drivers to see, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Wear bright or reflective clothing and consider carrying a flashlight.
- Stay Alert: Avoid distractions while crossing the street. Keep your attention on surrounding traffic and never assume a driver sees you.
Tips for Drivers
- Yield at Crosswalks: Slow down and yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Never pass another vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
- Slow Down: Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed for traffic, weather, and visibility. Lower speeds give drivers more time to recognize and react to pedestrians..
- Avoid Distractions: Keep your attention on the road. Put your phone down and remain focused on what is happening around you.
| | SAVE THE DATE: Franconia-Springfield Planning Study Update - October 20 | | |
Hey Springfield residents, you're invited to join a webinar Tuesday, October 20 to hear what's new for the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study. The webinar will share the Preliminary Plan for the Franconia-Springfield area, which has been shaped by community input across the study's multiple rounds of engagement. Learn more on the study webpage.
Tuesday, October 20, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Register: https://bit.ly/3UX3Mj1
| | October 24 - Coffee with Planning Commissioner Landgraff | | |
Join Franconia District Planning Commissioner Chris Landgraff for coffee and conversations about the planning commission's work.
- Saturday, October 24
- 9:00AM - 12:00PM
- Franconia Governmental Center, Room G105 (7130 Silver Lake Blvd)
| | | Zoning Applications in Progress | | Food Assistance in Franconia | | October 15 - St. John's Lutheran Church Community Meal | | |
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St. John’s Lutheran Church (5952 Franconia Rd) offers a free community meal on the 3rd Thursday of each month. The next meal is October 15, 2026 from 5:30PM to 7:10PM. Learn more here.
| | St. John's Lutheran Church, 5952 Franconia Rd | | St. John's Lutheran Church Community Garden | | |
This summer, St. John's Lutheran Church grew over 50 pounds of produce from their community garden. All of the produce was donated to Koinonia to support food security in the district.
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The Red Bag program allows community members to donate food and support local students through food donations. You can request a red bag and fill it with the requested item to help support teens facing food insecurity. The next collection date is October 24, 2026. Learn more and sign up here.
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ECHO provides food assistance to families in the Springfield area up to 6 times a year. For support call 703-569-9160.
- Weekdays 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
- Tuesdays & Thursday: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
ECHO serves ZIP codes 22151, 22152, 22153, 22015, parts of 22150 (West of I - 95), and a small part of 22312 (Southwest of Indian Run Stream/Spring Valley Drive).
| | Koinonia - Mary's Food Pantry | | |
Provides dry goods, meat and produce to Families in Franconia and Kingstowne. Visit Koinonia at its new location 6107 Franconia Rd to receive support or donate.
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 9am – 12:30pm
- Mondays: 4-7:30pm
- Tuesday: 9am – 12:30pm
- Wednesday: 9am – 12:30pm
- Thursday: 9am - 12pm; 1 – 4:30 pm (closed between 12-1pmm
- Friday: 9am – 12:30pm
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Supervisor Lusk visits Mary's Food Pantry. | | |
Need help connecting to resources in Fairfax County?
Visit Kingstowne Regional Library for their Social Work Intern Drop-in Time.
Receive help with public benefit assistance, housing and emergency shelters, resources for older adults and caregivers and more.
- October 15, 1:30PM – 5:30PM
- Kingstowne Regional Library (7130 Silver Lake Blvd)
- Learn more here.
| | October 12 - Fairfax Connector Holiday Weekday Service | | |
Fairfax Connector will operate holiday weekday service on Monday, October 12, 2026, in observance of Columbus Day and Indigenous Peoples Day.
Routes operating on a Saturday schedule: 101, 109, 151, 152, 161, 162, 171, 308, 310, 321, 322, 371, 401, 402, 423, 463, 467, 558, 559, 574, 605, 610, 615, 630, 651, 672, 703, 721, 803, 901, 921, 924, 937, 950, 952, 954, 983, RIBS 1, RIBS 2, RIBS 3, RIBS 4 and RIBS 5.
Routes operating on a weekday schedule: 306, 660 and 662.
If your route is not listed above, it will not operate on Monday, Oct. 12.
For more information, including Fairfax Connector’s complete holiday service schedule, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/schedules.
| | October 16- 26 - Amtrak will Pause for Progress | | | |
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Amtrak trains south of Washington, DC will experience reduced service, cancellations, route adjustments, and alternative bus connections for Amtrak and modified schedules for the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) from October 16 - 26 due to planned infrastructure improvements. Learn more and plan your route here.
Franconia-Springfield VRE Station (6880 Frontier Drive) arrivals and departures may be impacted. View the modified schedule here.
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Since fiscal year 2018, the Fairfax County has reduced electricity use in government operations by 13%. The county continues to expand high efficiency design and systems across its facilities, including the construction of 49 LEED-certified buildings that serve as models of sustainable development.
Want to join in on Energy Efficiency? Our community partners are here to help.
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Fairfax Energy Compass helps homeowners make informed decisions about home energy and electrification improvements.
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Energy Conservation Assistance Program provides grant support and guidance to nonprofits and community groups for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
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Sustain Fairfax encourages households and organizations to commit to sustainable actions and track their progress throughout the year.
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Green Business Partners provides a voluntary program that recognizes and supports Fairfax County businesses advancing sustainability and climate action.
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October 16 - Last Day to File Grass Complaints
The 2026 grass season is coming to a close. Friday, October 16 is the last day that the Department of Code Compliance will accept grass complaints. All complaints received before that date will be investigated.
Learn more about filing a concern here.
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Free Trees Still Available for Home Delivery to County Residents
Through a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the Fairfax County Urban and Community Forestry Division is giving away free trees to Fairfax County residents to plant on their property. When planted properly, these trees will help increase shade, reduce energy use and carbon emissions, improve water quality, reduce urban heat island effects and help make communities cleaner and greener.
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The tree giveaway was initially reserved for residents in communities with high or very high social vulnerability. The remaining trees are being made available to residents throughout Fairfax County while supplies last.
To sign up for trees, visit https://get.arborday.org/fairfaxcountydirectship. Tree recipients will be given access to an online tool that can help residents identify the best location to plant their tree, see estimates on how each tree could affect their home’s energy costs and select the trees they would like to receive. Trees will be shipped directly to residents along with tree shelters and stakes.
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Fuel Assistance Program
Apply Beginning October 13
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The Fuel Assistance Program helps eligible households in meeting their energy needs by supplementing the cost associated with their primary heat source. Eligible households must meet income requirements.
Open application period for the Fuel Assistance Program is October 13, 2026, through November 13, 2026.
Approved applicants will be notified of their benefit amount in late December. Payments begin in January and continue through April or until the benefit has been exhausted.
Learn more here.
Apply online or call 833-522-5582.
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Martha Glennan
Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards
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Do you know an individual or organization that advances community inclusion for people with disabilities in Fairfax County?
Nominate them for the 2026 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award. Nominations open now through October 16, 2026.
Nomination forms must be completed and e-mailed to disabilityrights@fairfaxcounty.gov before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2026 with subject line, “Martha Glennan 2026”.
| | For Students and Families | | |
Happenings at the School Board
October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and on Tuesday, October 6th, the School Board held a Forum on Strengthening Student Safety and Belonging.
"It is essential for us to strengthen and ensure active engagement in our partnership with parents and caregivers, with the hope that all students receive consistent anti-bullying messages at home as well as at school."
- Marcia St. John Cunning, Franconia District School Board Member
| | Rose Hill Elementary School, 6301 Rose Hill Dr | | Safe Routes to School Parent and Caregiver Survey | | |
The FCPS Office of Safety and Security and the Safe Routes to School team invite parents and caregivers to share their experiences. Your feedback will directly inform local school administrators, safety personnel, and our joint task force as we identify priority areas and work on long-term infrastructure and operational solutions.
What it Covers: Walking and biking routes, traffic congestion near schools, Kiss and Ride experience, physical accessibility, crossing guard needs, and specific safety concerns.
Deadline: Thursday, October 15
Key Details: Please be sure to identify the specific school related to your feedback and highlight exact locations where you have observed hazards or close calls. If you have children at multiple FCPS schools, please complete a separate survey for each school.
Your responses are completely confidential and provide the exact community-level data we need to advocate for safer streets, improved traffic circulation, and enhanced public safety deployments across Fairfax County.
If you have any questions about the survey, feel free to reach out directly to the team at SafeRoutestoSchool@fcps.edu
Take the survey.
| | November 5 - Fire and Crime Prevention Town Hall | | Join me, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, and Fairfax County Police Department to discuss fire and crime prevention in the Franconia district. If you have any fire or crime related topics or questions that you would like to learn more about, please email them to Aaron.Campbell@fairfaxcounty.gov by October 24. | | October 10 - Hybla Valley Community Center Hispanic Heritage Celebration | | |
October 10 - Mary McLeod Bethune: A Life and Legacy
John Marshall Library
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Join the John Marshall Library for presentation on the life and legacy of Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, led by National Park Ranger Ife Calhoun.
Dr. Bethune, a daughter of former enslaved parents in Mayesville, South Carolina, rose to prominence as a pioneering educator, as well as a civil and women's rights activist. She founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in 1935, creating the most influential national coalition of African American women's organizations of its time.
Registration encouraged. Walk-ins welcome.
Event Details
- 2:00PM - 3:00PM
- John Marshall Library (6209 Rose Hill Dr)
- John Marshall Meeting Room 1, John Marshall Meeting Room 2
- Register here.
| | October 14 - Delegate Tran's Veterans and Military Families Town Hall | | |
Join Delegate Kathy Tran, Supervisor Lusk, and Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, Tim Williams for a town hall to discuss how Fairfax County and Virginia are working to support veterans and military families.
October 14, 7:00PM - 8:30PM
American Legion Post 176 (6520 Amherst Ave)
| | October 17 - Chessie’s Backyard Boo-gie | | |
Embrace the magic of the season by attending this enchanting event at Family Recreation Area, Franconia Rec Center.
Join in activities and adventures the entire family will enjoy:
- Monster mash dance party
- Costume parade (wear your best costume!)
- S'mores
- Seasonal drink
- Popcorn
- Carousel ride
- Scavenger hunt
Event Details
- 2:00PM - 5:00PM
- Franconia Rec Center (6601 Telegraph Rd)
- Register here.
| | October 24 - VFW Springfield Post 7327 Community Centennial Tribute | | October 22 and October 26: Medicare 101 Workshops | | |
Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) is hosting workshops to help those who are eligible or may soon become eligible for Medicare. Registration is required.
Upcoming Workshops in Franconia:
Sherwood Regional Public Library (2501 Sherwood Hall Lane)
- Thursday, October 22, 2:00-3:30PM,
- Register here.
Kingstowne Regional Library (7130 Silver Lake Blvd)
- Monday, October 26, 1:30-3:00PM
- Register here.
| October 31 - Free Vaccine and Microchip Clinic | | |
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is proud to house Talent Capital AI, a regional initiative connecting job seekers across DC, Maryland, and Virginia with opportunities matched to their skills and goals. At the heart of the effort is TalentCapital.ai — a free platform powered by agentic AI that surfaces job openings, training programs, career coaching, networking events, and entrepreneurship resources, all in one place.
The platform features Celeste, an AI concierge, supported by specialized agents for jobs, events, training, entrepreneurship, and coaching. It is designed to support anyone in career transition — with a particular focus on displaced federal workers — and is available at no cost to all Greater Washington residents.
| | October 10 - Neighborhood Community Services Alexandria Open Hire Session | | |
Neighborhood & Community Services (NCS) is holding an Open Hire event for a number of positions. Bring several copies of your resume and prepare to interview on the spot for year-round positions in School Age Child Care (SACC) and recreation.
NCS is hiring for the following positions:
- School Age Program Leaders
- School Age Program Substitutes
- Recreation Leaders
Location
Gerry Hyland Government Center
8350 Richmond Highway
Room 505
Learn More about the open positions here.
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Police Non-Emergency Line: 703-691-2131
Dept of Code Compliance: 703-324-1300
Dept of Tax Administration: 703-222-8234
Report Road Hazards to VDOT: 800-367-7623 (FOR-ROAD)
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