Friday, November 13, 2026 | | |
On Wednesday, November 11, 2026, our nation took time to recognize the service and sacrifice of our military service members. Fairfax County is home to around 65,000 veterans and 13,000 active personnel. Their service ranges from World War II to the most recent conflicts. Not only do these individuals sacrifice to keep our country safe, but they are also pillars of our community, as business owners, educators, public safety personnel and so much more. In the Franconia District we are grateful for the service of every veteran and active-duty service member.
I am grateful for the opportunity to spend time with veterans this week at Fort Belvoir and to hear wise words from retired Colonel Jerry Krueger, who reminded us of the impact veterans have had on our nation’s history and the many resources available to veterans.
| | Colonel Sam Allen and retired Colonel Jerry Krueger | | Learning about resources for veterans. | | |
In Fairfax County, we are committed to ensuring our veterans have the tools they need to succeed. The Veterans and Military Families Commission works to identify how our county can better support veterans and military families. Learn more about their work here.
Learn more about resources for veterans here.
| | | | I also had the opportunity to join Key Middle School students as they celebrated their veterans with a breakfast. I appreciate all they do to recognize their family members, friends and community members. | | 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 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 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.
Do you 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.
| | Recycling bin distribution at Audubon Estates in Hybla Valley | | |
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)
- Learn more about what you can bring to recycle or donate here.
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.
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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!
Upcoming performances include:
More performances are listed on the FCPS Fine and Performing Arts calendar.
| | Annual Police and Firefighters Tribute - November 6 | | The Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce recognized police and firefighters for their contributions to our community. I had the privilege of recognizing Private First-Class Sean Crotty, Detective Richard Henry, Sergeant Michael Valentin, Auxiliary Police Officer Gary Gaal and Police Officer First Class Julia Cosmos Poetzschke for their dedication to the Franconia District Police Station. | | | |
"The appreciation of our law enforcement personnel and first responders for this event is just amazing. Not only do I hear gratitude from those at the event but throughout the year as I visit police and fire stations, and our friends at Fort Belvoir. They all remember the Tribute and are appreciative of the community support for their work."
- Holly Dougherty, President and CEO Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce
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Prevention of Blindness Society Metropolitan Washington’s
Free Eye Clinic - November 7
| The Prevention of Blindness Society Metropolitan Washington hosted a free eye clinic at Hybla Valley Community Center (7950 Audubon Ave). More than 40 participants received eye exams and specialist consultations. They will also receive free glasses. | | Tea at Historic Huntley - November 10 | With the Friends of Historic Huntley, Park Authority and the Evans family | |
I had the honor of joining Friends of Historic Huntley and the Park Authority for tea with members of the Evans family. Millie Evans was enslaved and emancipated by Thompson Mason, the grandson of George Mason IV and builder of Huntley.
In 2015, historian and genealogist Char McCargo Bah was asked to research the men and women enslaved by the Mason family and search for surviving descendants. Earlier this year, Millie Evans' family visited Historic Huntley for the first time and learned about their ancestor. At the time of her passing, Millie owned a candy store in the City of Alexandria.
In September, the Evans family was honored by the City of Alexandria for 250 years of contributions to the city.
| Meeting with the Huntington Forest HOA - November 12 | | Map of the Huntington Forest Community | | Speaking with Huntington Forest community members. | | Thank you to the Huntington Forest HOA for inviting me to speak at their HOA meeting. We had a great conversation about the South Van Dorn St. STARS study, the Franconia-Springfield Planning Study, Fairfax County trash pick-up, and public safety. Thank you for the invitation and discussion. | | 170th Recruit School Graduation Ceremony - November 13 | | Recruit Class 170 takes the firefighter's oath. | | (Left) Probationary Firefighter Samuel J. Arter, assigned to Fire Station 22 and (Right) Probationary Firefighter James P. Roscoe, assigned to Fire Station 37 | | FRD provides the highest quality services to protect the lives, property, and environment of our community. On November 13, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FRD) celebrated the graduation of Class 170. These recruits have worked hard to prepare to join FRD. I am excited to welcome Samuel Arter (Springfield Station 22) and James P. Roscoe (Kingstowne Station 37) to the Franconia District. Samuel Arter was awarded the Captain Barry Maham Peer Leadership Award for his inspiring leadership throughout Recruit School. | | |
Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging
50th Anniversary Celebration - November 13
| | Participants received health and wellness resources. | | Cara Yar Khan discusses her film Facing the Falls. | | with Department of Family Services staff | | The Fairfax County Area Agency on Aging celebrated 50 years of service to Fairfax County older adults. The event included a screen of the film Facing the Falls, workshops, and resources for aging well. Thank you to the Department of Family Services for your continued work supporting our community. | | |
Holiday Awareness Tips from
Franconia District Station Commander Major Deanna Weand
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As we head into November, the holiday season is quickly approaching. For many of us, that means more shopping trips, packages arriving at our doorsteps, travel, and time spent with family and friends. It's a busy and exciting time of year, and a little extra awareness can go a long way toward keeping it that way.
Here in the Franconia District, we're fortunate to have vibrant shopping centers, neighborhoods, and businesses that will see increased activity as the holidays approach. While our officers will continue working to keep these areas safe, there are a few simple things you can do to help protect yourself and your property:
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- While shopping: Keep valuables and purchases out of sight, lock your vehicle, and stay aware of your surroundings in busy parking lots.
- When receiving deliveries: Track expected packages, bring them inside promptly, or consider arranging delivery to a secure location if you won't be home.
- When shopping online: Be cautious of deals that seem too good to be true, unfamiliar websites, and unexpected messages asking you to click links or provide payment information.
- When traveling: Make sure your home is secure, use timers for lights, and consider asking a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your property.
If you are traveling for an extended period of time, to warmer weather or overseas, you can request heightened patrols around your property. It is also important to review your security systems and make a plan with a trusted neighbor, family member or friend to check on your home while you are away. Email FCPDFranconiaCommander@fairfaxcounty.gov with any concerns or requests for guidance over the holiday season.
These aren't meant to cause concern, but rather to encourage the small, everyday habits that make a difference.
The holidays are also a wonderful opportunity to look out for one another. Check in on neighbors, support our local businesses, and don't hesitate to report suspicious activity. You know your neighborhoods best, and your awareness is an important part of keeping our community safe.
On behalf of everyone at the Franconia District Station, I wish you and your families a safe, happy, and enjoyable Thanksgiving. We're grateful for the trust and partnership of the community we serve. - Major Deanna Weand
Click here to sign up for updates from the Franconia District Police Station.
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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), November 18, 2026 at 7:00PM
- Mount Vernon District Station (2511 Parkers Ln), November 18, 2026 at 7:00PM
| | Now is the Time to Prepare Your Home and Vehicle for Winter Weather | | Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security's Emergency Information Blog reminds us that early November is a good time to get ready, before the first hard freeze or winter storm hits Fairfax County. A little prep now can save you a cold, stressful scramble later. | | |
You can build a vehicle emergency kit with:
- A snow scraper and small shovel
- A bag of sand or kitty litter, for traction under your tires if you get stuck
- Jumper cables
- A warm blanket or two
- High-calorie snacks like granola bars or nuts
- A phone charger
You can also freeze-proof your home by finding your home's main water shut-off valve now, before you need it in an emergency. If a pipe does burst, you can shut off the water right away instead of searching for the valve while water is spraying.
Learn more about winter preparedness here.
| As temperatures drop, water main breaks become more common. The sooner a break is reported, the sooner crews can respond and help minimize service interruptions. | | |
Report directly to Fairfax Water:
| | Zoning Applications in Progress | | |
A series of military webpages recently launched on Fairfax County's website to provide resources, essential information and opportunities for the county’s 79,000 veterans, service members and their families. The pages address concerns that were highlighted in the recent Veterans and Military Families Commission’s survey.
View the webpages:
| 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. Available Wish Lists will be updated until November 20.
Learn more about the program here.
Sign up to support a family here.
| | 6th Annual Kingstowne Turkey Trot 5K | | Telegraph Road at Hayfield Road | | |
Fairfax County and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are working in partnership to make pedestrian safety improvements at Telegraph Road and Hayfield Road. Project improvements include:
- Modifying pavement markings along Telegraph Road from Broadmoor Street to Hayfield Road
- Relocating the crosswalk between Hayfield Secondary and Hayfield Elementary schools with a raised refuge island
- Installing Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB)
Construction is currently scheduled to begin in early 2028, but changes may be made. To learn more about the project, visit the project's webpage here.
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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.
| | Active Transportation Projects Added to Funded List | Recently funded active transportation projects in the Franconia District. | |
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is moving forward with 16 new active transportation projects following approval by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on August 25, 2026.
Projects in the Franconia District include:
- Install new marked crosswalks on the northern and western approaches of the Backlick Road and Spring Garden Drive intersection.
- Improve the existing marked crosswalk on Franconia Road at the Mark Twain Elementary entrance and Craft Road.
- Install a marked crosswalk on Ladson Lane at Evergreen Farm Place and the Costco entrance.
View all funded Active Transportation Projects here.
| | A family caregiver is a person who provides on-going care and assistance to a family member, chosen family member, neighbor, or friend. As our county’s population ages, more people become caregivers each year. Family caregivers in Virgina provide $27 billion worth of labor each year. Most of their work is unpaid. Without their support many more older adults and adults living with disabilities would have to rely on institutional care. | |
Fairfax County Department of Family Services provides resources for family caregivers, including free educational webinars, Dementia Friendly Fairfax Sessions, ElderLink programs and more.
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Learn more about resources for caregivers here.
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Learn more about foster care and adoption here.
Upcoming events for caregivers:
| Domestic Violence Resources | | |
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services has a released an updated list of resources for domestic and sexual violence.
The resources include:
- Advocacy and crisis hotlines
- Counseling and support groups
- Shelter and housing support
- Legal assistance and court accompaniment
- Healthcare and forensic services
- Culturally specific and language-accessible programs
- Services for children, teens, and families
Access the list here.
| | Key Middle School SCA Food Drive | | Key Middle School, 6402 Franconia Rd | | |
Let's come together to make a difference! The Key Middle School Student Council Association (SCA) is hosting a food drive from November 16–20 to support our local food bank. Students are encouraged to bring in canned goods to help families in our community.
Cans will be collected each morning by the main office. As a thank-you for giving back, students who donate will be eligible to win exciting prizes!
Every can counts! Let's show our community spirit and make this food drive a success!
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Results from the 2025-26 Family Engagement Survey
Fairfax County Public schools has released results from the third Family Engagement Survey. The survey was conducted during the 2025-26 school year to measure the division’s current success with family engagement. It will also help FCPS deepen that engagement and continue building trust while empowering families to support their children’s success.
Key results include:
- 94% agreed that their child’s school welcomes families from different backgrounds and cultures, an increase of 2 percentage points from the 2023–24 survey.
- 93% felt welcome at their child’s school, an increase of 1 percentage point from 2023-24.
- 92% said their child feels physically safe at school, an increase of 3 percentage points from 2023-24.
Learn more about the survey results and outcomes here.
| | Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Training Programs | | |
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) training programs offer workforce development services to eligible job seekers.
Services include:
- Career coaching focused on in-demand jobs.
- Assistance with Resume writing, interview preparation, and job search.
- Job skills trainings and credentials.
- Paid work experience opportunities.
- Work uniforms, tools, and other supportive services.
Fairfax County Department of Family Services will host a virtual information session on Friday, November 20 at 2:00PM. Learn more here.
| | 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.
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Explore the programs available, registration opens December 7, 2026
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Learn more and apply here.
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Nov. 20: Park Authority Fee Schedule Open for Public Comment, submit here.
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Stay updated on Fall Vacuum Leaf Collection here.
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Dec 18: Plan Forward Draft Accepting Public Comment, comment 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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