volunteer | FFXnow

McLean neighborhood celebrates America’s 250th with 507 American flags

Published July 6, 2026 at 10:00AM

Alexander Anspach, 7, plants a miniature American flag outside a home in McLean Hamlet (photo by Cameron Delean/Inside NoVA)

Under a blazing summer sun, volunteers spent Wednesday evening planting an American flag at every mailbox in McLean Hamlet, transforming the 507-home neighborhood into a patriotic display ahead of the Fourth of July and the nation’s 250th birthday celebration.

The effort, organized by the McLean Hamlet Community Association, saw a team of volunteers spread throughout the neighborhood, placing one miniature American flag at each home while others decorated neighborhood entrances with patriotic ribbons and larger American flags.

Countywide

County leaders honor Garden Club of Fairfax for century of service

By Scott McCaffrey

Published May 8, 2026 at 1:45PM

Proclamation honors 100th anniversary of the Garden Club of Fairfax (courtesy Fairfax County)

Fairfax County supervisors saluted the Garden Club of Fairfax on May 5 for its members’ efforts over the past century.

“Thank you for all you do in our community,” said Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, who sponsored the centennial resolution while acknowledging that he, unlike club members, lacked a green thumb.

Countywide

Fairfax County executive readies plan to revamp ‘placemaking’ groups

By Scott McCaffrey

Published March 27, 2026 at 2:45PM

Visit Fairfax president CEO Barry Biggar (screenshot via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors could soon receive a staff proposal on potentially consolidating “placemaking groups” that promote either the county as a whole or specific communities in it.

County Executive Bryan Hill said he expects to detail his proposals to elected officials later this spring.

Around Town

Volunteers invited to plant trees, clear invasive species in Reston for Arbor Day

By Angela Woolsey

Published March 24, 2026 at 11:45AM

Woods behind a sign for Walker Nature Center in Reston (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Officially, Arbor Day won’t be recognized in Virginia until the end of April, but Reston Association will get a head start on observing the occasion with a volunteer event at the end of March.

The homeowners’ association is inviting community members to help clean up and enhance some of its natural areas next Tuesday (March 31) from 9:30 to noon.

Countywide

Volunteer Master Gardeners honored for 50 years of service in Fairfax County

By Scott McCaffrey

Published March 18, 2026 at 3:45PM

County supervisors on March 17, 2026 honored Fairfax County Master Gardeners (courtesy Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday (March 17) lauded 50 years of service by the county’s Master Gardeners program.

During a presentation, Board Chairman Jeff McKay praised the “dedication, expertise and spirit of service” of volunteers who have supported the effort over the past half-century.

Countywide

Stuff the Bus food drive returns this weekend across Fairfax County

By Emily Leayman

Published March 11, 2026 at 3:45PM

Stuff the Bus collection in 2025 (courtesy of Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services)

Fairfax County’s Stuff the Bus food drive to restock local food pantries will return to sites across the county on Saturday (March 14).

Eight grocery store parking lots will serve as collection points from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Each site will benefit a different local food pantry. Residents are encouraged to donate non-perishable food or gift cards at the collection sites.

News

Fairfax County might consolidate ‘placemaking’ groups to reduce costs

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 9, 2026 at 1:45PM

The Tysons Community Alliance held its official launch event on Feb. 22, 2023 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors directed County Executive Bryan Hill last Tuesday (Feb. 3) to consider ways a number of “placemaking” organizations — including Visit Fairfax, Volunteer Fairfax and the Tysons Community Alliance — could be consolidated or restructured to reduce costs and be more operationally strategic.

“While each provides value, fragmentation and duplicative services dilute impact and reduce efficiency,” board members said in the directive to Hill.

Countywide

Fairfax leaders mixed on quality of snow-removal efforts, propose volunteer program

By Scott McCaffrey

Published February 4, 2026 at 10:00AM

A layer of snow and ice covers Bluemont Way in Reston after Winter Storm Fern on Jan. 26, 2026 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County supervisors in coming days will be compiling a list of positives and negatives related to the local and state response to late January’s crippling snow and ice storm.

Their comments and questions will then be forwarded to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and other agencies responsible for clearing snow.

News

Fairfax student’s nonprofit organizes service projects to help homeless people

By Emily Leayman

Published February 3, 2026 at 2:45PM

Hands in Hope organizes student service projects to help people experiencing homelessness (courtesy of Minn Vo)

After losing a brother who experienced homelessness, Carter G. Woodson High School student Minn Vo became aware on a personal level of how vulnerable people without shelter can be — and how often they’re overlooked by society.

That was a call to action for Vo, who founded the nonprofit Hands in Hope to organize service projects and fundraise to benefit individuals experiencing homelessness in Fairfax County.

Countywide

Community volunteers launch initiative to weed out invasive species across Fairfax

By Nolan Stout

Published November 7, 2025 at 9:15AM

Invasive wisteria spotted around Fairfax (photo by John Wilson)

A new community collaboration is set to kick off a week of action aiming to remove invasive species from trees in Fairfax County.

Fairfax Tree Rescuers will officially launch the Fairfax Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (PRISM) with invasive species removal events throughout the county from Saturday (Nov. 8) to Nov. 16.