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Dear Neighbor, 

First off, thank you to all who made it out last night to the Great Falls Town Hall – I appreciate your questions and our conversation! As a reminder, I have two more Town Halls coming up on October 8th at 7:00 p.m. at the McLean Community Center and on October 14th at 7:00 p.m. at the Herndon Fortnightly Library.  

Turning to more weighty topics, as October begins, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on Suicide Prevention Month, which takes place every September. Even though the month has just ended, the message behind it is something we carry with us all year long: supporting our mental health, and the mental health of those around us, is a continued commitment. 

I’ve shared some mental health resources below, including ways to reach trained professionals by call or text, information on our mobile crisis teams, urgent care options for mental health and substance use concerns, and connections to specialized support. I hope you’ll take a moment to familiarize yourself with these resources or share them with someone who might need them. Sometimes knowing where to turn can make all the difference. 

On October 3rd, I’ll be joining our community and my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors for the Out of the Darkness Walk with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in Merrifield, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness, supporting those affected by suicide, and bringing hope to families and loved ones. Before the 1.5 mile walk begins, there will be opportunities for reflection and connection, including hope and healing activities, a community resources fair, family friendly stations and games, and a chance to meet others who share a passion for mental health. You’re warmly invited to join as a participant, volunteer, or supporter. To learn more about the Fairfax Walk, please visit this website. 

Finally, gun safety goes hand-in-hand with suicide prevention. I encourage you to talk with your children about gun safety and the importance of immediately telling a trusted adult if they see or hear something that concerns them. Virginia law also requires gun owners to store firearms in a manner that prevents access by children. Fairfax County offers free firearm locks through its Lock and Talk program. Families can also find information about secure firearm storage through the U.S. Department of Justice and on the Fairfax County Public Schools Gun Violence Prevention Resources webpage. 

Thank you, as always, for being such an engaged and caring community. Together, we can continue working toward a place where every person feels seen, supported, and never alone. 

All the best,

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Jimmy in the Community

Movie Under the Stars

Pimmit Hills Day

Great Falls Town Hall

Harvest Happenings

Naturefest

Town Halls

National Pedestrian Safety Month

Dark Skies

Dark skies are the historic and natural state of nature. Over time humans have increased the amount of light shining into the sky all night long. This disruption of excessive light has robbed us of our stars and endangered the nature around us. We can have dark skies again if we can learn to control light pollution with responsible outdoor lighting practices.

One of the reasons to control light pollution is to protect birds, especially during migration season. Birds crash into windows because they perceive the glass as air, and see reflections of vegetation, or they see through the glass to indoor plants. The highest collision rates occur in large areas of continuous glass like office buildings and large residential windows. Dimming the lights can prevent some of these crashes. For more information on dark skies and light pollution visit this website.

Right here in the Dranesville District, Turner Farm is designated as an International Dark Sky Urban Night Sky Place. Observatory Park at Turner Farm is one of only a few locations near Washington, D.C., where visitors can experience a relatively dark night sky. The designation highlights the park’s role as a regional resource for astronomy education and light pollution awareness.

Dominion Energy's EnergyShare Program for

Winter Heating Assistance

Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare winter heating assistance program launched October 1, offering eligible customers up to $600 toward power bills. The program is available to customers facing financial hardship, with eligibility based on circumstances rather than income. Hardship can include unexpected medical bills, necessary transportation or child care costs, and temporary interruptions in pay. For more information visit this website.

Fairfax CORE Entrepreneur Help Desk

You don’t have to manage your business journey on your own. Visit the Fairfax CORE Entrepreneur Help Desk for one-on-one support tailored to your needs. We can connect you with essential resources, such as startup guides, workshops, and local government programs designed to help your business grow. Space is limited, so register early to secure your time!

Nominations for Disability Inclusion

and Equality Awards

Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area? If so, nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2026 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award. Award winners are honored for demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities and receive an award, presented at an annual awards ceremony on Monday, December 14, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Location: 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, Conference rooms 200/206. 

There are three possible award categories: Individual, Self-advocate, and Organization. The requirements are to have demonstrated a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in Fairfax County, and the Cities of Fairfax, or Falls Church; and demonstration of how people with disabilities have significantly benefitted from their efforts.

For information about who to nominate, the process, and how to submit the nomination form visit this website. Nominations are due BEFORE 5 p.m. on Friday, October 16. If you have questions, please email DisabilityRights@FairfaxCounty.Gov. 

McLean Community Center

Youth Ambassador Program

Want to make your voice heard while gaining real leadership experience? As an MCC Youth Ambassador, you'll help shape programs and events for teens, collaborate with student leaders, and represent your school while making a difference in the McLean community.

Youth ambassadors must live within in the MCC tax district and must be in high school (grades 9-12). For more information, visit this website.

Please send completed applications to Ben Barber at benjamin.barber@fairfaxcounty.gov. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 9.

2026 Business Pulse Survey

Fairfax County is calling on local business owners and entrepreneurs to share their perspectives in the 2026 Business Pulse Survey.

Whether you run a startup, a non-profit, or an established enterprise, your voice is essential in guiding our regional economy forward.

The brief questionnaire is designed to capture real-time data on the current opportunities, challenges, and resource needs facing our commercial sector. Feedback gathered from the survey shapes future county programs, refines targeted support initiatives, and ensures local economic policies reflect the real-world demands of our business community.

Every perspective matters. Participation is open to all businesses operating within Fairfax County, across every industry and size.

Make your voice count. Click here to take the 5-minute survey before October 2!

Free Mammograms in October

Your health matters — and HealthWorks wants to help make this important screening accessible.

Every Monday in October, HealthWorks will be providing FREE mammograms to women without health insurance who might not otherwise have access to this vital screening.

Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your health — at no cost.

For more information or to schedule your screening, please call 703-443-2000, option 5 to schedule. This option is only available to non-HealthWorks patients. HealthWorks patients should contact their provider to schedule.

Medicare 101 Workshops

Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program is providing virtual and in person Medicare 101 Workshops.

The workshops are for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. In person workshops have limited seating. Registration is required. Registration for library events begin 30 days prior to the presentation date. 

For more information, call VICAP at 703-324-5851 or visit this website. 

Free Child Safety Seats

The Virginia Department of Health provides free child safety seats to qualifying families. Caregivers interested in this opportunity must attend a child safety seat class. Classes are offered at multiple locations throughout the county. To register for a child safety seat class and free car seat, call 703-246-8850 or visit this website to learn more.

Dominion-NextEra Energy Merger

Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy announced plans on May 18 to combine. The merged company would serve roughly 10 million utility customers across Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. Dominion's utility operations would continue under its existing names in Virginia and the Carolinas. In July 2026, the companies filed a petition with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) seeking regulatory approval of the merger. If ultimately approved by the SCC, this transaction will create the world’s largest regulated electric utility. Dominion currently serves roughly 2.7 million customers in Virginia.

There will be a public hearing regarding this issue on October 9 at Fairfax County Government Center from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. If you would like to testify you can register here for in person comments or submit written comments here through November 9.

Fairfax County Election Officers Needed

Are you interested in working at the polls?

Fairfax County is the largest voting area in Virginia, with 264 polling places. Thousands of trained election officers help make Election Day run smoothly and fairly.

Election officers:

• Help voters at the polls
• Make sure elections are fair and accessible
• Play an important role in our democracy

Who can apply?

• Any registered Virginia voter
• Preference is given to Fairfax County residents

Election Day details:

• Work from 5 a.m.-9 p.m., or until all duties are done
• Earn $250 for the day
• Reasonable accommodations are available under the ADA. Email elect@fairfaxcounty.gov to ask for an accommodation.

Apply here by Thursday, October 1.

Early Voting

Three voting sites are open for early voting for the November 3 General Election. Unlike election day voting, when voters must vote in their precinct, during early voting, any Fairfax County voter may vote at any Fairfax County early voting location. For more information, please visit In-Person Early Voting | Elections. 

Other Important Dates and Links: 

• Register to Vote/Update Registration through October 23, 2026 
• Apply for ballot to be mailed to you through October 23, 2026 
• Who/What is on your ballot? 

October 1: Expedition to Herndon's Future

What will Herndon look like in 10, 20, or 30 years? Share your ideas and help shape the Town's future at an interactive planning event.

The first 100 participants will receive a limited-edition commemorative gift.

Your voice. Your Town. Your future. Join the conversation and help guide what's next for Herndon. More information is available at this website.

Thursday, October 1

6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Herndon Community Center

814 Ferndale Ave.

Herndon, VA 20170

October 1-November 30: NOVA Loop Trail Puzzle Hunt

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT), in partnership with Solving Fun, invites residents and visitors to take part in the 2nd Annual NOVA Loop Trail Puzzle Hunt, a free, self-guided outdoor adventure that combines exploration, problem-solving and recreation. Participants who register by Sept. 30 will be entered into a special early-registration prize drawing.

October 2: Salsa in the Park

October 2: Ballet Hispanico

In a world defined by change and reinvention, Ballet Hispánico New York offers an evening where movement becomes a form of resilience, reflection, and renewal. Mujeres: Women in Motion features three powerful choreographic voices—each exploring identity, conscience, and cultural inheritance through her own distinct lens. Together, they reveal the plural imagination of contemporary America: layered, rhythmic, and alive with meaning.

Buy tickets here.

Friday, October 2

7:00 p.m.

The Alden Theater

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

October 3: Saving for College

Join an informative seminar, led by an experienced financial advisor. This session will cover practical strategies to help families prepare for future education costs, including an overview of savings vehicles such as 529 plans, budgeting tips, and ways to make college more affordable. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to plan ahead and make confident decisions about college savings. Presented in cooperation with Northwest Federal Credit Union. Adults and teens welcome. Registration is required, and there are 25 seats available.

Saturday, October 3

10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls, VA 22066

October 3-November 1: Tree Rescue Extravaganza

Join Fairfax Tree Rescuers PRISM’s Fall Extravaganza II, October 3–November 1, a community-wide effort across Fairfax County and Falls Church to protect trees from invasive vines and other invasive plants. Enjoy the fall weather, meet your neighbors, and make a real difference—one tree at a time. No experience is needed, and everyone is welcome. 

Registration is required. Over 40 events will soon be listed on the Fairfax PRISM website. Find an event near you and discover other ways you can help protect trees in your own community.

Come outside. Meet your neighbors. Save a tree. Make a difference.

October 4: McLean Artfest

Come out to celebrate the arts in the community! McLean Artfest, formerly MPAartfest, continues its annual tradition, now produced by the McLean Community Center in partnership with McLean Project for the Arts. Located at McLean Central Park, McLean Artfest is a juried festival showcasing over 30 local & regional visual artists from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. This FREE, one-day fine arts show, sale, and festival features contemporary art, Children’s Art Walk, children’s art tents, gourmet food trucks, a beer and wine garden, interactive art experiences, a live stage with some of the best local musicians in the DC metro area and much more!

Sunday, October 4

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Mclean Central Park

1468 Dolley Madison Blvd

McLean, VA 22101

October 7: SAT School Day and PSAT/NMSQT Testing Day

SAT School Day and PSAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (NMSQT) exams will be held at each high school on Wednesday, October 7, at no cost to families. The digital SAT School Day exam is offered to 12th grade students, and the digital PSAT/NMSQT exam is provided to 10th and 11th grade students.

Because of the testing, most 9th grade students will not have school on October 7. Students are encouraged to complete any missing work or assignments that need to be completed prior to the end of the first quarter. 

Ninth grade students with disabilities who receive low incidence special education services will still receive in-person instruction with a two-hour early release on October 7. 

Contact the Student Services team at your child’s school with any questions. Learn more about SAT and PSAT assessments in FCPS. 

October 7: Coffee with a Cop

October 8: McLean District Station Community Advisory Committee Meeting

Want to be more involved with the McLean District Station Fairfax County Police Department? Consider joining their Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

CACs enhance communication between residents and the FCPD and offer residents a chance to dialogue with members of their local police districts. For more information regarding your local police district's CAC meetings, click here.

This month's meeting for the McLean District Station will include a presentation from the Major Crimes Bureau on death investigations.

October 8: Teen Parent Discussion Group

Do you sometimes feel like your teens are slipping away?

The Safe Community Coalition would like to invite you to their FREE monthly parent discussion group facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.

This discussion offers practical, evidence-based communication skills to bridge the gap between parents and their children/teens. Parents will learn how to shift from lecturing to active listening, navigate challenging conversations, and use techniques to build connection and trust.

Facilitators: Melissa Sporn, Ph.D. and Alexis Guerrero, LC SW.

Space is limited. RSVP now to save your spot!

Thursday, October 8

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

October 10: Fire and Rescue

Department Open House

Celebrate Fire Prevention Week at the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department's Open House! Stop by your local fire station to meet your firefighters, experience fun activities, and learn about fire safety.

Saturday, October 10

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

All Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department Stations

October 12: Senior-Treat

October 12: Touch a Truck

Join McLean Community Center (MCC) for the event that gives children of all ages the chance to see, touch, and explore some of their favorite vehicles! Worried about the noise? MCC offers a chance to explore the trucks during the quiet hour from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Visit this website for more information.

Monday, October 12

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

October 15: Senior Safety Summit

October 15: Town of Herndon Candidate Forum

Want to learn more about the candidates running for Herndon Town Council? Join Cornerstones for an evening of conversation and community engagement.

This nonpartisan forum gives residents of the town of Herndon an opportunity to hear directly from the candidates, learn more about their perspectives on issues important to our community, and get the information they need before heading to the polls on November 3.

The evening will also include helpful election information and Get Out the Vote resources to make it easier for residents to participate in this important local election. For more information and to register, visit this website.

Thursday, October 15

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

St Timothy's Episcopal Church

432 Van Buren St.

Herndon, VA 20170

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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