Screenshot Source: FCPS Food Services
Community News at a Glance
Food for Every Child This Summer
Screenshot Source: FCPS Food Services
“No cost. No sign-up. Just show up.” FCPS Food & Nutrition Services is offering summer meals at no charge to all children and teens 18 years old and younger at participating FCPS schools.
The program runs through Aug. 15; closed on July 4. Locations and times vary. Meals are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and must be consumed on-site. See Summer Nutrition Programs for Kids (PDF) or check the FCPS website at https://www.fcps.edu/services/families-and-caregivers/food-and-nutrition/summer-meal-service-program?fbclid=IwY2xjawLDaXRleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF4R3VkcDNYa1I2ZVc3aFFCAR6ZJUc4sdEVm_JNP9JqJoWTHUueHux2Y4-VkcSYzm__RBlmld7Oe7KuYR9AYQ_aem_W4xSTunByOW-dtt1srZRkA.
Juneteenth 2025
Across Fairfax County, organizations and jurisdictions held events to celebrate Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States and marking a legacy of freedom. Two-and-a-half years after President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, on June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and issued General Order No. 3. It informed the enslaved people of Texas of their freedom.
Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection
Fairfax County Park Authority celebrated Juneteenth at the Frying Pan Spring Meeting House on Saturday, June 21.
The event offered visitors the opportunity to tour the inside of the normally closed church located on Centreville Road, that served free and enslaved African Americans. Nancy Saunders, with the Park Authority, informed visitors, such as Claudia Bolanos, Ramon, and Elinor (pictured here), that members of the Primitive Baptist Church “were gracious enough to share their meeting minutes with the Park Authority. … They gave us the opportunity to transcribe the first 100 years, and that's why we have so much information about the enslaved members,” Saunders said.
Photo by Mercia Hobson/The Connection
Records show the date free and enslaved African Americans were baptized and the date they died, along with whether they were dismissed because of inappropriate action, such as “unchristian conduct,” or moving.
Vienna’s Naturalization Ceremony, June 21
Screenshot Town of Vienna
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services welcomed 14 naturalized citizens into the fabric of the nation during the Town of Vienna's Naturalization Ceremony on Saturday, June 14.
They came from 14 different countries. “It was an honor to host the naturalization ceremony in Vienna and welcome the new citizens to our nation. It was so inspiring to learn about the candidates’ country of origin and path to U.S. citizenship. Witnessing their joy and their family members’ pride and excitement as they took the Oath of Allegiance was deeply meaningful,” said Mayor Linda Colbert.
The naturalization ceremony was part of the town’s Liberty Amendment Month. It commemorated the 14th and 15th amendments, which established birthright citizenship, guaranteed equal protection under the law to everyone, and codified the right to vote regardless of race.
Rotary Club of Herndon Names Signe Friedrichs 2025 Citizen of the Year
Photo by Igor Bierman
Honoring local service champions, Jane Nash presents Signe Friedrichs the Rotary Club of Herndon-Reston’s 2025 Citizen of the Year award during its 56th Annual Citizen of the Year Award Dinner on June 18. The club also welcomed new leadership for the year ahead, including Arti Agarwal, the club’s new president.
Graduation for Vienna Toddler and His New Service Dog
Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities
Life changed in 12 days for a Vienna family. Two-year-old Jack Hogan and his service dog, Indigo, pictured here, are recent graduates. On Saturday, June 21, Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD) in Winchester, Connecticut, hosted “Celebrate Your Graduates.”
The nonprofit organization honored Jack’s journey and that of four other individuals with disabilities, as well as the service dogs who will help them live more independent and empowered lives. The celebration marked the culmination of a 12-day immersive program in which clients and their service dogs collaborated to master the skills necessary for daily living and increased autonomy.
Jack’s dad, Mark, initially saw a service dog as a nighttime medical alert, but after meeting Indigo, he realized the bond goes far beyond that. Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities reported that Jack was diagnosed with “Central Congenital Hypoventilation (CCHS) and Hirschsprung’s Disease after spending over 200 days in intensive care. … CCHS affects his ability to breathe, especially during sleep, posing serious health risks.
“I love how observant Indigo is,” said Mark Hogan. “He checks in and is so willing to serve and work hard. He is really going to become Jack's right-hand man.”
Equitable Urban Tree Canopy: What’s Your Shade Score?
Source: Screenshot
Tyson’s Tree Equity Score: As extreme heat becomes more frequent, as recently experienced in Fairfax County with temperatures reaching the high 90s and triple digits from June 22 to June 29, shade is crucial for preserving livable communities.
Source: Screenshot
Wolf Trap’s Tree Equity Score
From public health to reducing energy consumption for cooling, and other benefits, a tree equity score guides investments in areas that need shade the most. Yet few localities know where shade is or if they have enough. Visit https://d17m5nraxo9zm6.cloudfront.net/AmericanForests_TreeEquityScore_NewShadeData_1-Pager.pdf to learn about your community. American Forests partnered with the UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation to create high-resolution shade cover access for the 360+ largest cities in the U.S. Localities can be subdivided into neighborhoods.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources
Source: Screenshot Fairfax County
Fairfax County continues to offer day and night resources for urgent mental health and substance abuse concerns, including mobile crisis teams of mental health professionals only to respond along with co-responder teams, mental health professionals, and police officer. Specialized help, such as for veterans, LGBTQ+, older adults, those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and more, is also available.
Lego Resale Store Celebrates Anniversary
Screenshot: Video contributed by Jayesh Lalwani
Jayesh Lalwani, owner of Bricks & Minfigs Herndon, celebrated the first anniversary of his authorized pre-owned LEGO retail store, welcoming customers and showing off the sets and pieces he has that Lego doesn’t make anymore.
Screenshot: Video contributed by Jayesh Lalwani
No matter the age, freeforming with bricks and minfigs is fun.
“That's the happiest part of running the store,” Lalwani said describing when people come in and say that they have been looking for a piece for 20 years and find it at his store. Bricks & Minifigs Herndon is located at 1064 Elden Street and features an extensive collection of Lego minifigures, boxed and pre built sets, loose brick and accessories.
Mobile Showers for People Experiencing Homelessness
Photo courtesy of Pathway Homes
Rendering of Pathway Homes, Inc.’s Mobile Shower Service to address homelessness in the region.
Pathway Homes, based in Fairfax is a charitable organization known for its non-time-limited housing and supportive services to 1,553 adults with serious mental illnesses and other co-occurring disabilities in Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. The organization recently announced it has received nearly $300K in grants from Virginia Housing, the Cafritz Foundation, the Potomac Health Foundation, and Amazon.
“The funds will support the launch of Pathway Home’s new program called Mobile Outreach Unit,” according to the release. It will use a retrofitted trailer to provide services, including showers, to individuals experiencing homelessness in Northern Virginia, starting in Fairfax and Prince William counties
“Providing a wheeled response to those facing homelessness will help us meet the needs of the unsheltered and provide interaction with case managers to help people move off the streets,” said Sylisa Lambert-Woodard, CEO of Pathway Homes. “We look forward to getting on the road by the fourth quarter.”