Friday, September 5, 2025 | | |
This past Saturday, the Franconia-Springfield community joined with the Fort Belvoir Garrison, American Legion Post 176, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7327, community groups, and local business leaders for the annual Springfield Bridgewalk. Thank you to everyone who participated.
After completing the short walk across Veterans Bridge, the community covenant was signed, reaffirming the community’s commitment to supporting active-duty service members, reservists, veterans, and their families. Fort Belvoir is the largest employer in Fairfax County, and I appreciate the ways in which they support their community.
| | (Left to right) Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw, Headquarters Battalion Command Sergeant Major Reginald L.C. Smith, Delegate Kathy Tran and family, Garrison Command Sergeant Major Brandon Creel, American Legion Post 176 Commander Denise M. White | | |
September is Workforce Development Month in Fairfax County. As federal workers and contractors continue to be affected by actions on the federal level, the observance of this month is more urgent than ever. Whether entering the workforce for the first time, returning after an extended absence, transitioning after a layoff, or simply seeking a new direction, finding a job can be both challenging and rewarding. Fairfax County and our local and regional partners offer a variety of resources to help. View calendar of Workforce Development Month events.
Fairfax County Employment Centers are open for in-person and virtual services. Make an appointment for in-person or virtual services.
Programs at the Workforce Innovation Skills Hub
Building Paths Construction Trades Career Pathway Program
| | Organized by Fairfax County Employment Services and Melwood Community Services, the Thriving Works: Building Inclusive Careers Together Career and Resource Fair brings together job seekers, employers, and resources to foster workplace inclusion, break down employment barriers, and create sustainable career pathways for individuals with disabilities. Learn more and register. | | Whether you are exploring a business idea, running a new start-up, or managing an established company, this free workshop organized by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is designed to give you the tools, insights, and connections to advance your entrepreneurial journey. Join aspiring business owners and fellow entrepreneurs for an interactive session packed with practical tips on starting, managing, and growing a business. Learn more and register. | | |
Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) Adult and Community Education (ACE) programs offer hundreds of continuing education classes, both in-person or online. FCPS ACE offers our county residents affordable and market-leading classes in computers, industrial trades, health and medical certifications, and many other in-demand professions.
FCPS ACE also provides fun and engaging enrichment courses like culinary, creative writing, woodworking, world languages.
FCPS Adult & Community Education is always seeking to hire expert instructors in all content areas. Find out more at www.fcps.edu and search “Teach for ACE” or email ACEJobs@fcps.edu. The full catalog of courses can be found at www.fcpsace.org.
| | It is both an honor and a privilege for me 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
| | One of the best parts of my job as Supervisor is getting to know you in your communities. I would like to attend your next homeowner, civic, or citizen association meeting to share information and hear what's important to you. If there is a community association meeting or event you would like me to attend, please contact my office at 703-971-6262. | | If this email was forwarded to you, consider signing up for my email list to receive newsletters and other important announcements. | | 2025 Springfield Bridge Walk | | |
Magic & Music on the Overlook: A Kids Festival for the Whole Family
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of magic and music with Abracadabra Alex and Marsha and the Positrons at Springfield Overlook!
Date: Saturday, September 6, 2025
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Magic Show
- 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: Concert
Location: Springfield Overlook (rooftop of the Springfield Commuter Garage)
RSVPs are requested but not required.
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Mark Your Calendars: Make in Fairfax Maker's Fest
Explore a diverse array of interactive exhibits showcasing everything from robotics and 3D printing to handcrafted jewelry and woodworking. Engage with passionate creators, learn a new skill at one of the many mini-workshops, and discover incredible talent right here in our community.
Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Springfield Overlook (rooftop of the Springfield Commuter Garage)
RSVPs are requested but not required.
| | Federal Workforce Resource Hub | | |
Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and thousands of federal contractors. The Federal Workforce Resource Hub serves as a resource to help navigate current and future issues for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits and businesses who may be affected by actions, changes or disruptions to federal services or employment.
Northern Virginia is stepping up for recently unemployed federal employees and contractors with major new resources.
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Fairfax County Department of Human Resources
Information Sessions
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Reston Employment Resource Center (11484 Washington Plaza, Room #1)
Register Here
Tuesday, October 14, 2025
10 a.m. - Noon
Fairfax VIEW Resource Center (12011 Government Center Parkway, Room #200)
Register Here
| | Click to expand and view links | | |
Early voting is now open at the Franconia Governmental Center through Saturday, September 6.
Election Day is Tuesday, September 9. Early voting lasts through Saturday, September 6.
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Early Voting Locations and Hours
Fairfax County Government Center
Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Saturdays (Aug. 30 and Sept. 6): 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Franconia Governmental Center
Monday–Friday: 1 p.m.–7p.m.
Saturdays: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Election Day
Tuesday, September 9
6 a.m.–7p.m.
Only voters who live in the 11th district may vote. To confirm your voter registration and district:
| | Springfield Bridgewalk - August 30 | | Signing the Community Covenant | | | | Kappa Alpha Psi Alexandria-Fairfax Alumni Chapter
| | Delegate Kathy Tran Veterans and Military Families Town Hall - September 4 | | I appreciated the opportunity to speak on what Fairfax County is doing to support veterans and military families. Delegate Kathy Tran (third from left) and Virginia Department of Veterans Services Benefit Director Guy Dinkins (first from left) spoke on services provided by the Commonwealth. | | Franconia Rec Center Upgrades | | |
The Franconia Rec Center in Alexandria is undergoing renovations to improve energy efficiency, enhance air quality, and boost user comfort.
As part of the project, outdated air-handling systems in the fitness center and racquetball courts are being replaced with energy-efficient models to provide better temperature control while lowering energy consumption. In the aquatics area, a second pool HVAC unit and a new exhaust system will be installed to manage humidity and improve air quality for swimmers and spectators. Additionally, ceiling-mounted destratification fans will be added to the swimming pool facility to enhance air circulation and further reduce energy use.
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“These upgrades are designed to significantly improve the overall experience for our members by ensuring better air quality and comfort, especially during peak seasons,” said FCPA Chief Operating Officer Sara Baldwin.
Franconia Rec Center is one of the latest facilities where the county is actively replacing old HVAC systems with high-efficiency technologies and implementing other energy-saving measures. These supports the county’s Operational Energy Strategy, which targets a reduction in energy consumption of 25% by 2030, as well as a commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2040.
By implementing energy-efficiency upgrades at the Franconia Rec Center, the county demonstrates how local investments in sustainability not only benefit the environment but also create healthier, more enjoyable spaces for the community.
| | September is Hunger Action Month | | |
While Fairfax County has one of the highest median household incomes in the country, not having enough food to eat is a pressing issue for many residents. Over 105,000 people in Fairfax County experience hunger and have difficulty buying enough food for their families. September is Hunger Action Month and we want to spotlight food assistance programs in Fairfax County, why some households experience periods of hunger, and why the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is so important for increasing access to affordable, nutritious food for individuals, children and families, and older adults.
Over 57,000 people in Fairfax County, currently participate in SNAP benefits. The issue of hunger is even more widespread, as more people are eligible for SNAP than are receiving benefits. SNAP provides households with a monthly amount of money to purchase eligible food items from local stores and farmers markets.
During September, the Department of Family Services will share important information about how to apply for and use SNAP benefits, what to do if you don’t qualify for SNAP, and where to go if you’d like to donate or access food in Fairfax County.
Follow along during Hunger Action Month:
How to Apply for SNAP: Visit CommonHelp.Virginia.gov or call 1-833-522-5582.
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Stuff the Bus is a one-day event when local nonprofits collect non-perishable food donations at grocery stores around Fairfax County. The closest Stuff the Bus event to the Franconia District is at the Huntsman Giant in Springfield, benefitting ECHO.
| | New Logo, New Look: Library Card Design Contest | | Fairfax County Public Library is excited to share its new look! | | Debuting for Library Card Sign-Up Month in September 2025, the new logo and branding encompass the endless possibilities available at your library once you step through our doors or open a book. | | From Sept. 1-30, 2025, submit your ideas for new library card designs that incorporate the new logo. Learn more. | | Rolling Forest Park Conservation Project | | |
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Join Troop 1176 in a monthly effort to maintain the beauty and ecological health of Rolling Forest Park.
Bring: long pants, closed-toe shoes, bug spray, water bottle
What to expect: hands-on conservation activities such as litter cleanup, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and planting native vegetation
Dates: Sept. 14, Oct. 12, Nov. 16, Dec. 21, Jan. 25, Feb. 15, March 15, April 19, May 10, June 14
Time: 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Location: Corner of Birchtree and Flax
For more information, contact Marjorie McDonald at 713-702-2653.
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Explore the latest in hearing assistive technologies, apps, captioning, local agency services, hearing aids, tinnitus, cochlear implants, ASL, and much more. Find ENTs and audiologists. Meet Deaf crafters. Facepainting (11 am to 2pm) and Yellow Dog make it fun for the family.
When: September 27, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Lower level of Springfield Town Center, by the Lego Experience store
| | Made in Fairfax Local Business Expo | | |
Get a head start on your holiday shopping at "Christmas in September," a Made in Fairfax Local Business Expo.
When: September 25, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Location: Fort Belvoir Main Exchange
Interested in being a vendor for the event? Contact harrisrebec@aafes.com or snydermr@aafes.com.
| | Congressional App Challenge | | |
Every year, members of the United States House of Representatives challenge students in their districts to create and submit original apps for a chance to win the Congressional App Challenge (CAC). The Challenge encourages creativity, technical skill, and the use of technology to solve real-world problems. Each participating Member of Congress will host a local competition and select a winning app from their district.
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Winning apps will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building and featured on the House of Representatives’ website, House.gov.
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Winning students are invited to the #HouseofCode Capitol Hill Reception in Washington D.C.
- Additional sponsor prizes TBA
The 2025 Congressional App Challenge runs from May 1st to October 30th, 2025.
For more information, visit: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/
To register, visit: https://www.congressionalappchallenge.us/students/student-registration/
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Take the survey by September 19, 2025, at PublicInput.com/ATTPm or call 703-890-5898 (Project Code: 11851).
For more details, visit the project webpage.
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Ride Free with Capital Bikeshare – First 30 Minutes on Us!
Grab a bike for commuting, errands, or just a joy ride with more than 80 stations in Fairfax County. Offer valid through September 15, 2025.
- Use promo code: CABIFX25 in the Capital Bikeshare or Lyft App
- Download the app, scan a bike, and go!
Get rolling today and make biking part of your everyday routine.
| | Open for Comment: FY 2025 CAPER | | |
Fairfax County’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has prepared a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The FY 2025 CAPER evaluates the County’s use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program funds for the period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Members of the public are invited to review the draft report and provide comments before the final draft is submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The draft FY 2025 CAPER is available online at: http://bit.ly/45B3L5W, and this public comment period runs from August 22, 2025, through September 17, 2025.
Written comments on the draft FY 2025 CAPER may be submitted online by visiting the website address above; or by e-mail: DHCDGrants@fairfaxcounty.gov; or by mail: Fairfax County Department of Housing and Community Development, ATTN: Sherryn Craig, 3700 Pender Drive, Fairfax, Virginia 22030.
| | Call for Artists: Richmond Highway BRT | | |
Fairfax County, in partnership with ArtsFairfax, is looking for talented artists to design artwork for the windscreens at the planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) ("The One") stations along a 7.4-mile stretch of Richmond Highway in southeast Fairfax County. The project – titled Community Charm – will incorporate elements of the surrounding neighborhoods into the station design based on themes developed with each community.
Eligibility: Professional artists, muralists, and graphic design professionals are invited to apply. Public art experience with comparable projects is recommended. Open to all artists and design professionals residing in the United States. Preference will be given to local and regional artists.
Applications must be submitted to Submittable by September 30, 2025, at 7:00 PM EST.
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September 6: In-person vacuum leaf collection information session
September 6: Deer management archery program begins (Learn more)
September 6: Community Emergency Preparedness Expo
September 10: Virtual vacuum leaf collection information session (Microsoft Teams Meeting Link)
September 15: Bike Fairfax offer expires (Learn more)
September 19: Survey deadline for the Active Transportation and Trails Plan (Learn more and take the survey)
September 30: Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program application deadline (Learn more)
October 3: Solid Waste Management Program student truck art design contest submission deadline (Truck Art Contest Form)
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