Transcript: NewsCenter Podcast

Feb. 18, 2026

Good day, and welcome to the Fairfax County NewsCenter podcast. Coming up, learn about the Pennino Building closure and Weddy Awards for Laurel Hill and Twin Lakes Golf Clubs. Links to topics mentioned in this podcast can be found online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov.

Progress continues on repairs to the Pennino building, which was damaged by flooding in early February, but the building will continue to be closed until further notice. There are several alternate ways to get assistance with services that are offered in Pennino:

• A new Pennino Building Closure webpage outlines how to get help from the Department of Family Services, the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. Many services are available online.
• Documents for the Department of Family Services can be dropped off any time at a secure drop box location.
• Some NCS services are now available in the Herrity Building (next to the Pennino Building) from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. These include Child Care Assistance and Referral; Community Education and Provider Services; Head Start; and SACC, Beyond the Bell, Camp Fairfax payments and registration. General reception and assistance is also available.
• You can also visit one of our Human Services Centers in Alexandria, Annandale or Reston.

Residents are strongly encouraged to avoid visiting the Pennino building and to utilize the options listed above. But for those who arrive and need assistance, the county’s CareVan is stationed on the premises to provide limited services.

Updates will be posted as they become available.

Laurel Hill and Twin Lakes Golf Clubs have received the prestigious Weddy Award for Best Golf Club Venue, presented by Brides & Weddings Magazine. The 2026 Weddy Awards celebrate excellence in the wedding and event industry, recognizing businesses that deliver exceptional service, innovation and professionalism. The honor is based on real wedding experiences shared by couples and reflects both venues as trusted and well-regarded wedding and event locations in Fairfax County. Laurel Hill attributes its continued recognition to a hospitality-forward approach centered on consistency, professionalism and attention to detail from the initial tour through the final sendoff. Twin Lakes has earned its recognition through the same commitment to service, offering couples a welcoming setting with flexible options and experienced staff that is focused on delivering thoughtful coordination throughout the planning process. Brides & Weddings Magazine is Northern Virginia’s premier guide for engaged couples, offering planning advice and showcasing top wedding vendors. Winners of the Weddy Awards are selected by a panel of industry experts and are featured in the January 2026 issue of the magazine. For more information about these venues visit the Golf Fairfax Weddings and Parties webpage, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/golf/parties.

If you want to hear more about the people and programs of Fairfax County Government, listen to the “County Conversation” podcast. You can find it, along with several other county podcasts, at fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts.

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.