Sept. 17, 2025
Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about All Fairfax Reads, quilting blocks, the Venture into Volunteering Fair, National Drive Electric Month, Suicide Prevention Month and the Dranesville Tavern resident curator program. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.
All Fairfax Reads is a one book, one community event. The goal is to encourage people to come together to read the same book. This year, in honor of what would have been her 250th birthday, we will be reading the Jane Austen classic, "Pride and Prejudice," and pairing it with a variety of events, perfect for the most ardent devotees and casual admirers alike. Published in 1813, it is one of Austen's most popular and widely adapted novels. Its timeless characters, sharp social commentary, ironic humor, emotional resonance and universal themes have captivated readers across generations. Learn more: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/news-and-events.
Did you know quilting and art have long been integral to the movement to end sexual and domestic violence? For Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Fairfax County Domestic and Sexual Violence Services is collecting quilt blocks created by the community with the theme of “Crafting Healthy Relationships.” The finished quilt will be displayed in Fairfax County Public Libraries in 2026. Find out how you can get involved in creating quilt blocks for the DVAM 2025 Community Quilt. Find out more. Search “community quilt project” on fairfaxcounty.gov.
Looking for a way to give back or explore new interests? Mark your calendar for the Venture into Volunteering Fair on Sunday, Oct. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Springfield Town Center (upper level). Meet representatives from local organizations offering meaningful volunteer opportunities. Find the right fit for your interests and schedule. This fair will take place in conjunction with the annual Beacon 50+ Expo. Dozens of exhibitors – including government agencies, nonprofits, and local businesses – will provide helpful information regarding services for older adults, retirement communities, home remodeling, financial planning, healthcare, travel, fitness, and more. A wide variety of resources will also be available, including free health screenings and vaccines (bring your insurance card and Medicare cards). And, there will be door prizes and giveaways! If you have questions, email VolunteerSolutions@FairfaxCounty.gov, or call 703-324-5406.
National Drive Electric Month, Sep 12 - Oct 12, is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness of the many benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more. People are encouraged to take a stand for better air quality by switching to cleaner transportation choices, and electric vehicles are fast, fun to drive and less expensive to maintain than fossil fuel vehicles. And if you act now, you may be able to take advantage of a federal tax credit for the purchase of a new or used EV, but you must do so by Sept. 30. To learn more about the options and incentives, visit fairfaxcounty.gov and search “Electric Vehicles.” Or see for yourself by attending a National Drive Electric Month event near you to talk to EV drivers. A list of events is available on the national drive electric month website.
Suicide is a serious public health matter, and prevention efforts are critical. September is Suicide Prevention Month, but it's always time to raise awareness, strengthen the dialogue and remind individuals, friends and families about resources that are available to help prevent suicide. Suicide is preventable, and there are resources and support services available throughout the year to promote positive mental health and increase resilience. Services are provided throughout Fairfax County and include community-focused workshops, campaigns to raise awareness about mental health and evidence-based suicide prevention and mental health training for all residents. Suicide is preventable and can affect anyone regardless of race, skin color, age, and economic or social status. The county offers numerous resources and support services to assist those in need. Call or text 9-8-8, the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Hotline.
An application for curatorship has been received for the historic Dranesville Tavern. The Fairfax County Park Authority will continue to accept resident curator applications for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the tavern until Friday, Oct. 10, at 5 p.m. The Resident Curator Program offers long-term lease agreements to qualified tenants in beautiful public park settings. The curator leases are without charge in exchange for a financial commitment and approved rehabilitation of the Park Authority’s underutilized historic properties. The Dranesville Tavern is one of the few remaining examples of a rural Virginia inn or ordinary. Built at the intersection of two major roads (Georgetown Pike and Alexandria Leesburg Pike), it served travelers moving through the region. Built in 1823 by Stanford Cockerille, it originally consisted of two two-story log structures connected by a dogtrot. The inn changed hands over the years with various owners adding onto the original structure. The tavern remained open to the public until 1946, and to boarders until 1968. In the 1970s, the tavern was threatened by the expansion of Route 7 until the Park Authority purchased it and moved it 135 feet away from its original location. To identify potential lessees in the Resident Curator Program, the Park Authority is seeking proposals for the rehabilitation of the house in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation. Curators will be determined through an open and competitive process, based on several criteria, including a formal proposal, demonstrated experience and competency in historic preservation techniques, financial capabilities and the incorporation of public benefits. Complete application forms and additional information about the properties are available by visiting the Resident Curator Program’s Dranesville Tavern webpage. For more information, contact the Resident Curator Program manager at 571-407-6586.
Finally, subscribe to “Weekender,” the county’s weekend arts and entertainment e-newsletter. “Weekender” brings together offerings from around the county and delivers that info right to your inbox. Don’t miss out on fun happenings throughout the county. Subscribe to “Weekender” at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/weekender.
That’s all for this NewsCenter podcast. Thanks for listening. For more information about the topics in this podcast and for news updates, visit fairfaxcounty.gov/news. Follow the NewsCenter podcast on soundcloud.com/fairfaxcounty and our podcasts webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts. You can also listen 24/7 online to Fairfax County Government Radio at fairfaxcounty.gov/radio. If you have questions, call 703-FAIRFAX, that’s 703-324-7329, weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. or email publicaffairs@fairfaxcounty.gov. The NewsCenter podcast is produced by the Fairfax County, Va., Government.
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