
Pumpkin Patch, Art on the Avenue top list of things to do.
Pumpkin Patch, Art on the Avenue top list of things to do.

A $5 Million Boost for River Farm
The donation from Marcia Zech establishes an endowment, key to supporting American Horticultural Society’s River Farm headquarters.
River Farm
Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 5
Alexandria News Briefs

All Creatures Great and Small
Trinity UMC holds Blessing of the Animals.
“We host this as a recognition that the animals that bless our families and our homes are very much a part of who we are and who our families are.” — Rev. Grace Han
A Casino Would Bring Many Unwanted Problems to N. Va.
Congressman Frank Wolf (retired) wrote a letter to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors which is shared with the Connection. Wolf lives in Vienna.

Family Fun Day Returns at Calloway UMC
It is the season for fall festivals in Arlington including Clarendon Days, St. Ann’s Fall Festival and Calloway United Methodist Church Family Fun Days on Saturday, Sept. 28.
$1M Grant to Grow OAR Diversion Program
The U.S. Department of Justice awarded a $1 million grant to the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney to grow the OAR Diversion Program. The OAR Diversion Program was created in 2022 in partnership with OAR of Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church (OAR) through the Vera Institute for Justice’s Motion for Justice Program (MFJ).
“Flourishing After 55”
55+ Programs are in person at 55+ Centers unless otherwise noted. A 55+ Pass is required to participate starting at a $20 annual fee. To join or register, go to registration.arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-4747.
Arlington Program Focuses on Fathers
Silbert Harrison Grant is passionate about fathers. “When you help the father, you are also helping the mother and the kids — the whole family, and that helps the community.” Grant is Coordinator of Fatherhood Enhancement with Child and Family Services for the Arlington County Department of Human Services (DHS).

Judge Declares EHO Policy Void on Four Counts
Startling decision seen as step to reset drastic housing policy changes.
Arlington County Courtroom 11A was packed as Circuit Court Judge David Schell issued his judgment in the case Marcia Nordgren et al vs Arlington County Board. It was, as one observer said afterwards, truly a David and Goliath story. It was also an issue on which candidates for the Arlington County Board had sparred.
Confusing FCDC Sample Ballot
Letters to the Editor
Some might be confused or fooled by the names that will appear on the Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC) sample ballot that will be distributed at the polls on Election Day.
Accessibility Improved at State Park
Mason Neck adds all-terrain wheelchairs.
Accessibility Improved at State Park

Breaking Ground
Inova begins work on new hospital facilities.
Inova begins work on new hospital facilities.
Don’t Miss It, Great Falls Oktoberfest this Friday
Benefits Cornerstones and Great Falls Grange Foundation
The Great Falls Grange Foundation and the Rotary Club of Great Falls will present the Great Falls Oktoberfest on Friday, October 4, from 6 to 10 p.m.

Local Fire and Rescue Teams Battled Helene in Florida
Local Fire and Rescue Teams Battled Helene in Florida

Local Film Festival is Peppered with Big Names and Ideas
Films focus on positive change and the world around us.
Films focus on positive change and the world around us.
Volunteers Tackle Never-ending Trash
Plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose.
Plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose.

Hometown Hero
Olympic champion Noah Lyles returns to ACHS.
Olympic champion Noah Lyles returns to ACHS.