November is Military Families Appreciation Month. | | |
There is a deep legacy of military service that is woven into so many aspects of life here in Fairfax County, including the presence of Fort Belvoir, one of the most significant military installations in our region. We are privileged to have over 65,000 veterans and thousands of military families in Fairfax County who enrich our communities and our schools every day.
Our community is committed to supporting military families through job and education resources, crisis aversion resources, and community partnerships with organizations that honor those who serve.
| | |
(left to right) With Command Sergeant Major Brandon Creel (Fort Belvoir), Supervisor Victor Angry (Prince William County, Supervisor Pat Herrity (Springfield District), Colonel Samuel Allen
(Fort Belvoir), and Supervisor Dan Stork (Mount Vernon District).
| | At the Northern Virginia Regional Commission's (NVRC) Community, Military, and Federal Facilities Partnership Program, we work regularly with military partners and Northern Virginia representatives to leverage shared resources and collaborate on shared issues. The NVRC hosts job fairs and provides employment resources for military spouses and transitioning service members. Learn more here. | | Community Leader's Luncheon at Ft. Belvoir, October 29, 2026 | | I appreciate all the community organizations such as American Legion Post 176, Veterans of Foreign Wars Springfield Post 7327, and Fort Belvoir who continue to play a vital and collaborative role in reinforcing the commitment to honor and support those who serve. | | |
I am also incredibly proud that Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) is the largest Purple Star Division in Virginia by both student enrollment and total number of students. This means that 100% of our schools excel in supporting-military connected students.
The Purple Star Program is a shining example of how Fairfax County embraces the contributions and experiences of military families. Our schools demonstrate the compassion and care these families deserve. Learn more about the Purple Star Program at FCPS.
| | Upcoming events for Veterans and Military Families: | | |
Veterans Day Ceremony
American Legion Post 176, VFW Post 7327 and Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter 353 is hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, at 11:00AM.
Location: American Legion Post 176 (6520 Amherst Ave)
| | Ready to start, strengthen, or scale your business? | | |
Join the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and Fort Belvoir Army Community Service for a special edition of Entrepreneurship 101: From Idea to Expansion, celebrating the leadership, innovation and resilience of military spouses and veterans.
Whether you’re exploring a business idea or growing an established company, this FREE event offers practical guidance and resources to help you move forward. Open to military-connected entrepreneurs and the broader small business community.
Tuesday, November 10 | 8:30 a.m.–3 p.m.
University of Virginia - Northern Virginia Campus (8095 Innovation Park Drive)
Register.
| | Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project - Share Your Story | | |
The Fairfax County History Commission is encouraging county residents to participate in an oral history program about Vietnam War veterans. Interviews will be conducted through early May 2027 and will become part of the Library of Congress Veterans History Project.
The Veterans History Project of the Library of Congress American Folklife Center was created by the United States Congress in 2000 to collect and preserve the firsthand remembrances of U.S. wartime veterans. Fairfax County residents will have the opportunity to add their voices to the existing national archive.
The History Commission is seeking both veterans to interview and student note-takers. Please contact the History Commission at queenofcheaptravel@gmail.com to participate.
| | 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
| | |
Connecting with Franconia residents in our community 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 community 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.
| | |
November 7 - Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club Annual Coaches vs. Coaches
Join the Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club on Saturday, November 7 for LMVSC’s 7th Annual Coaches vs. Coaches Fundraiser. This special club-wide event brings our community together for a fun evening of soccer while raising funds to support LMVSC’s financial assistance program.
| | |
Event Details:
- 6:00PM - 10:00PM
- Edison High School Stadium (5801 Franconia Rd)
| Register and Save - Winter Park Authority Classes | | Registration for Winter Classes with the Fairfax County Park Authority is now open. Register before November 8 to save $8. View class information and register here. | | ArtsFairfax Awards - October 30 | | Evan Kaufman accepts the Innovation Award on behalf of Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC). | | with Supervisor Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill District) and Courtney Bulger (Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce) | | ArtsFairfax hosted their annual awards to celebrate visionaries in the Fairfax County arts community. Congratulations to Bruce Berlage, Karen and Jim Cleveland, Thomas Beveridge, and the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation. | | ECHO Fall Yard Sale - October 31 | | ECHO hosted thier Fall Yard Sale offering donated items that they are unable to distribute. The proceeds will directly benefit families in the Springfield area. | | Vaccine and Microchip Clinic - October 31 | | On Saturday, October 31, 2026, Fairfax County Animal Services hosted a free Vaccine and Microchip Clinic. Thank you to the staff and volunteers from Fairfax County Animal Services Pet Resource Center for serving over 200 cats and dogs in the Hybla Valley community. | | Loving Hands Touch 10th Anniversary Celebration - October 31 | | |
Loving Hands Touch celebrated their 10th Anniversary on October 31, 2026. Loving Hands Touch has been an active and valued partner in the Franconia District. They contribute to weekly food distribution at Hybla Valley Community Center (7950 Audubon Ave) on Saturdays at 9:00AM. I extend my best wishes for many more years of service, compassion and support. Thank you for all you do for our community.
| | FRD Medal Day Awards - November 2 | | On Monday, November 2, 2026, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) recognized exceptional uniformed, civilian, and volunteer personnel. Please join me in congratulating them for their service and hard work keeping us safe. | | Left to right pictured: Deputy Chief Bill Betz (Career Achievement Award), Captain Michael Greulich (Career Officer of the Year), Battalion Chief Rodney Vaughan, Retired (30 Years of Service Award), Dr. Dan Avstreih (Meritorious Service Award), Management Analyst IV John Morrison | | A Day with FRD - November 5 | | On Thursday, November 5, Fire Chief John Butler invited me to learn more about Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FRD). We stopped by the 4th Annual EMS Procedure and Cadaver Lab at Inova Advanced Surgical Technology and Education Center (ASTEC) in Falls Church. Here, our EMS professionals had the opportunity to practice real world trauma response simulations. I was able to take part in the training, practicing emergency trauma care. Learn more about the Cadaver Lab. | | Highschool Firefighters Program | | Speaking with FRD Class 170 before their November 13,2026 graduation. | | I also visited the public safety academy, where I was able to speak with the recruits of FRD's Class 170 and the FCPS students participating in the Highschool Firefighters Program. These students are working hard to become the next members of Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department. Thank you to Fire Chief John Bulter for hosting me for the day. | | Franconia District Fire Prevention and Crime Prevention Town Hall - November 5 | | Assistant Fire Chief Brian Edmonston | | Franconia District Station and Mount Vernon District Station officers. (third from right) Assistant Commander Jonathan Bobel and Mount Vernon District Commander Jeff Mauro | | | | My office, in partnership with Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) and Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD), hosted a Fire Prevention and Crime Prevention Town Hall. Thank you to FRD and FCPD for sharing important prevention actions we can take. Thank you to all who came out to ask important questions about safety in our community. | | FRD shared some important information about fire prevention in the Franconia District at our Fire Prevention and Crime Prevention Town Hall. | | Property Alert Notification System | | |
The Property Alert Notification System is a FREE e-alert service available through MyFairfax for Fairfax County and City of Fairfax property owners.
This Alert System is designed to help property owners stay informed and receive an email alert if any documents are filed on their real estate record with the court. By providing a timely alert, the system provides early detection of potential fraud, including unauthorized deed filings, or other suspicious activity involving real property records.
Learn more and sign up here.
| | |
Plan Forward Draft
Accepting Public Comment
| | |
Draft Plan Text for the Housing element, Economic Development and Revitalization element, and the Chesapeake Bay Supplement is available for review and comment. The public is invited to review the recommended changes for the three components of the Policy Plan.
Attend a virtual community meeting:
Housing Element
- Monday, November 9, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
- Virtual Meeting - MS Teams
- Call-in number: +1 571-429-5982
- Access code: 447 946 768#
Chesapeake Bay Supplement
- Tuesday, November 17, 2026 at 7:00 p.m.
- Virtual Meeting - MS Teams
- Call-in number: +1 571-429-5982
- Access code: 486 307 296#
Want to get involved?
| | Zoning Applications in Progress | | Adopt a Family Holiday Program Returns | |
The Adopt-a-Family Program was developed to help children and families who are in need of clothing, food and toys for the holidays. Every fall, the program accepts donations to support families who are working with the Fairfax County Department of Family Services. The program matches generous donors with identified families to make their holidays more joyful. The 2026 Adopt-A-Family Holiday Program will use Roonga to connect donors with children and families in need.
Learn more about the program here.
Sign up to support a family here.
| November 13 - Celebrate 50 years of Aging Well | |
For five decades, the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (AAA), has been a trusted place for residents in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, to find resources, get support, and learn about programs that support older Americans. In honor of the 50th anniversary, Fairfax AAA is hosting a free community celebration and you’re invited!
Come join with the community, vendors, and staff on November 13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Pkwy) and enjoy a day of discovery, connection, and fun.
Learn more and pre-register here.
| November 20 - AARP CAREversations | |
Over 59 million people become caregivers each year. AARP's CAREversations events help caregivers share information with one another and build relationships to help them navigate their caregiver journey. Caring for a friend, family member, or loved one? Take a break, connect with others, and get ready for what’s next in your caregiving journey.
- Friday, November 20 | 6:00PM–8:00PM
- Dave & Buster’s Springfield, Fun Room, 6655 Springfield Mall
- Learn more and register here.
| Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center | | The Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center (6564 Loisdale Court) offers a flexible space designed for families and is easily accessible to the Franconia-Springfield Metro station and several bus lines. Services are available by appointment and during walk-in hours. For walk-in hours, please visit the Franconia-Springfield Public Health Center web page. To make an appointment for clinical services, please call 703-246-7100. For WIC services, call 703-246-5599. | |
6564 Loisdale Court, Springfield VA |
| November 11 - Fairfax Connector's Verterans Day Service Schedule | |
Fairfax Connector bus service will operate on a Holiday Weekday Schedule on Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Under the Holiday Weekday Schedule, most routes that operate will follow their Saturday schedules, while three routes will operate on their regular weekday schedules.
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:
For more information, including Fairfax Connector’s complete holiday service schedule, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/connector.
| |
Calamo Street Paving Updates
Paving work on Calamo St and Spring Rd is scheduled to begin starting Monday November 9, 2026. All paving work will occur during the daytime and will occur over multiple days. Learn more about road closures near the project here.
| Re-paving areas on Calamo Street and Spring Road. | November 16-19 Valley View Drive Daytime Closures | | Alternate route shown in blue. | | |
Weather permitting, Valley View Drive (Route 718) between Franconia Road (Route 644) and Scotch Drive (Route 3703) will be closed to through traffic Monday, Nov. 16, through Thursday, Nov. 19, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day for drainage pipe replacement, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Those needing to access properties along this portion of Valley View Drive will have access but will not be able to go beyond the point of pipe replacement in either direction. The pipe is located adjacent to the property at 6208 Valley View Drive.
Through traffic will be detoured via Franconia Road, Larkspur Drive (Route 3701), Marilyn Drive (Route 3702) and Scotch Drive back to Valley View Drive. Drivers are asked to follow posted detour signs.
You can get traffic, work zone and incident information online at 511.vdot.virginia.gov, via the free mobile 511Virginia app, or by calling 511 in Virginia anywhere anytime.
| Fairfax Connector Offers Free Transportation for Students and Adults | Fairfax County Public Schools middle and high school students can ride the Fairfax Connector and City of Fairfax CUE bus for free. Students can visit their school's administration office for more information. | Click to watch and learn more about the student bus pass program. | Transit Ridership Incentive Program (TRIP100) is designed to reduce barriers to transit use for low-income residents. | |
Eligibities requirements
Older adults:
- 50 years of age or older, with an annual income of $50,000 or less per individual.
- Registered user of MetroAccess.
- Recipient of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Low-income adults:
- Annual income of $32,805, or 225% of Federal Poverty Limit for an individual, 50 years of age or younger.
- Currently receiving services and have a caseworker through another County agency or organization.
To register for an account or apply, click here.
Learn more about the program here.
| | The Franconia District Shines at the State of Our Schools | | At this year’s State of Our Schools, Superintendent Michelle Reid shared strong student achievement and continued growth in programs and support across FCPS. Franconia students brought that progress to life: Hayfield robotics students demonstrated their work, Lewis Leadership students shared community service projects, and Irving eighth graders showcased sustainable agriculture. The Crestwood choir and Lewis Mariachi program closed with a moving performance of “De Colores.” The State of Our Schools highlights. | | Click to watch the full presentation. | | The Crestwood Elementary Choir performs "De Colores" | | |
"That song holds special meaning for me. I learned of my beloved cousin Dolores Huerta’s passing the day before the performance. Hearing “De Colores,” an anthem of the United Farm Workers, reminded me why I serve: to help ensure equity and access so every student and school can thrive."
- Marcia St. John-Cunning
Franconia District School Board Representative
| |
The Curtain’s Up Across Franconia! 🎭
From fairytale mysteries to Broadway favorites, our schools are bringing the stage to life this November. Come cheer on student performers, support school arts programs, and enjoy a show—there’s a seat waiting for you!
More performances are listed on the FCPS Fine and Performing Arts calendar.
| | November 17 - Hybla Valley Elementary School Free Food Market | | FCPS ACE Trades Apprenticeship Scholarship | |
If you’re seeking training and accreditation for a career in the Electrical or Plumbing trades, FCPS ACE can help you upskill and earn your licensing with a certified Apprenticeship program and a $1,000 scholarship toward your classes.
- Apply November 1 through December 31, 2026 for a class starting in February, 2027.
-
Explore the programs available, registration opens December 7, 2026
-
Learn more and apply here.
| | Audubon Recycling Bin Distribution - November 5 | | Audubon Estates Community Members and Staff | Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services staff distributed recycling bins to neighbors in the Audubon community. These bins were gifted to the community using revenue from the plastic bag tax. Learn more about the plastic bag tax and how its revenue is used here. | | Carla Claure, Defensores de la Cuenca | | November 14 - Fairfax Recycles Day and Stormwater Day | | |
Fairfax County's Solid Waste Management Program, in partnership with Stormwater Management, invites residents to celebrate Fairfax Recycles Day on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Glen Forest Elementary School in Falls Church.
Have old electronics, household batteries, or glass bottles taking up space at home? Bring them along! We'll be collecting a variety of hard-to-recycle materials for proper recycling and safe disposal.
| | Fairfax Recycles Day 2025 | | |
What Can You Bring?
- Small Electronics: Computers, laptops, cell phones, keyboards, and other small electronic devices (maximum 24" × 24"). No televisions, monitors, or CRTs.
- Household Batteries: Single-use and rechargeable batteries.
- Glass Bottles and Jars: Clean glass containers, with or without lids.
- Winter Clothing for ECHO: Clean, gently used jackets, gloves, and mittens for adults and children.
-
Household Goods for ECHO: Pots, pans, working small appliances, towel sets, and comforters. Visit ECHO’s website for a full donation list- Donate Goods | What To Donate | ECHO, Inc.
-
Emergency Supplies for FACETS: sleeping bags, tarps, umbrellas, winter boots, portable power banks, bedding, and new personal hygiene supplies. Visit FACETS website for a full donation list: Most Needed Items – FACETS.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Time: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Location: Glen Forest Elementary School (5829 Glen Forest Dr, Falls Church, VA 22041)
Whether you're dropping off recyclables, donating essential supplies, exploring the Touch-A-Truck display, or learning about County resources, there's something for everyone.
| | A Greener Thanksgiving Starts with Less Food Waste | | |
Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with loved ones, sharing delicious meals, and giving thanks. Between holiday meals and leftovers, food waste can quickly pile up. Fairfax County Public Works and Environmental Services suggests planning ahead, estimating how much food your guests will actually eat, and checking your pantry before going to the grocery store to avoid purchasing ingredients you already have.
Consider composting organic waste and learn more about composting in Fairfax County here.
| | Nov. 14: Fairfax County Small Business Commission Reverse Tradeshow, learn more and register here. | Nov. 14: FCPS Annual Special Education Family Conference, learn more here. | Nov. 20: Park Authority Fee Schedule Open for Public Comment, submit here. | Stay updated on Fall Vacuum Leaf Collection here. | | |
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)
| |
| Is the content of this email relevant to you? | | | | | | |
