Virginia Marriage Equality Vote in November; Rally Oct. 17
Equality Arlington and the NAACP Arlington Branch are sponsoring a Rally for Marriage Equality on Saturday, October 17 at 1 p.m. The rally will take place by the fountains at Courthouse Plaza, 2250 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington. All are welcome to show their support. Learn more at: vaformarriageequality.com.
Metro Station Closings This Weekend – October 17 and 18
If you’re planning to take the Metro this weekend, the following three stations will be closed for scheduled maintenance: Rosslyn, Court House, and Arlington National Cemetery. This affects the Orange, Silver, and Blue lines. Some shuttle services will be available. For more information, visit: wmata.com/ride/planned-track-work.html.
Fairfax County Marks Pedestrian Safety Month
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors proclaimed October as Pedestrian Safety Month during its Tuesday meeting, according to a constituent newsletter issued by Board Chairman Jeff McKay.
In the newsletter, McKay emphasized the county’s ongoing efforts to improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and public transportation users through infrastructure investments, education and enforcement.
According to McKay, the county’s 2025–2030 Transportation Priorities Plan includes $368.04 million for pedestrian and bicycle projects, while the Board recently approved an additional $8.94 million toward its $100 million commitment to active transportation infrastructure.
McKay also highlighted the county’s Safe Streets for All initiative, school-zone speed cameras and public education campaigns. He reported that average vehicle speeds have declined approximately 15 percent at the initial school-zone speed camera locations.
The county is relaunching its “Take a Moment” safety campaign this October with an emphasis on “See and Be Seen,” encouraging drivers to remain alert and pedestrians to take precautions as daylight hours grow shorter.
McKay said he recently introduced a proposal to establish a joint task force with the Fairfax County School Board to identify additional pedestrian and traffic safety improvements around schools.
“This October, let’s keep the message of our proclamation and Take a Moment campaign in mind: ‘Be Smart. Be Safe. Be Seen,’” McKay wrote.
Equality Arlington Ranks County Board Candidates
Equality Arlington sent questionnaires to the three candidates running for County Board in the November 2026 General Election. The five questions posed were aimed to gauge the candidates’ response to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and related policy issues. They received responses from two of the three candidates. The Board of Directors rated the candidates based on how well their responses demonstrated an understanding of the needs of the LGBTQ+ community and how their proposed actions or inaction would impact the LGBTQ+ community. The candidate who did not respond was given an “F” rating. You can read the questions they posed and each candidate’s response on their website at: equalityarlington.org/news/2026-10-05/ea-grades-cb-candidates-2026.
New Medicaid Eligibility Changes Set Jan. 1
Beginning January 1, 2027, the eligibility requirements for Medicaid will change to include the following conditions:
Enrollees must have a minimum household income of $580 a month;
OR
Perform 80 hours of activities a month (including volunteer work, unpaid work, work for yourself, attend school part time, be involved in a work training program, and more).
There are exemptions from this requirement, including persons 18 and younger, persons 65 and older, pregnant persons, and people with special needs, among other exemptions. Please see dmas.virginia.gov/news-updates/new-federal-requirements/federal-work-requirements/ for a full list of exemptions.
If you did not receive a letter notifying you of these changes, and you believe you will be impacted by the new rule, you can update your contact information online at commonhelp.virginia.gov or call Cover Virginia at 855-242-8282.
Virginia Medicaid is also hosting a series of virtual Town Hall forums to answer questions about changes in Medicaid coverage. You can register here: dmas.virginia.gov/news-updates/new-federal-requirements/town-halls/.
Stylish Patina Hosts Small Biz Fall Market, October 17
Celebrate all things fall with this outdoor market featuring 25 vendors on Saturday, October 17, from 9 a.m. through 7 p.m. Held on the grounds of Stylish Patina, 301 Park Avenue, which is just across the street from the farmer’s market. Goodies you’ll find here include handmade items, fashion, vintage finds, baked treats, and more. If you haven’t seen their new location since moving from Broad Street, you’ll find a spacious grassy front yard that’s perfect for this event.
No Kings Day Activities on October 17 Promote Early Voting
Join Falls Church Indivisible for a day of three family-friendly events to promote early voting. Activities start at the corner of Park Ave and Little Falls St with stickers, buttons, and kids’ activities, from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. Later, a Bridge Visibility event will take place on a nearby overpass from 1:30 – 3 p.m. (Location is given when you register.) Lastly, from 4 – 5 p.m., the community is invited to gather at Broad St. and Washington St. to wave signs and flags. This event is not aiming to be a large, visible protest. For more information and to register, visit: fallschurchindivisible.org/nk4.
West Falls Church Metro Raises Non-Rider Parking Rates Oct. 19
If you’re parking at the West Falls Church Metro station but not taking the Metro, the new daily parking rate will be $10. For those parking and riding the Metro, the daily rate is unchanged from $3, but riders must use the same SmarTrip or credit card for both parking and rail. The rate change for non-riders is meant to help preserve parking spaces for Metro riders since construction in the area has temporarily reduced parking spaces.
Sherrow Ave. Bridge to Close on October 19
As part of a project to rebuild the bridge on Sherrow Ave (over Tripps Run), the bridge will be closed to motorized vehicles on October 19. Sidewalks will remain open for pedestrians, bike riders, and scooter riders. Detour signs will be displayed. The bridge is located near the intersection of W. Cameron Road, Seaton Lane, and Sherrow Ave. To view map with suggested detour route, visit: www.fallschurchva.gov/2215/Sherrow-Avenue-Bridge.
Used Book Sale Slated for October 23 – 25 at MRS Library
Stop by the Mary Riley Styles Public Library for their quarterly book sale starting with a preview on Friday, October 23, from 1 – 5 p.m. (5 item limit), and continuing through Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. This sale includes DVDs. All proceeds support library programs and services.
Creative Cauldron Receives $12,150 ArtsFairfax Grant for New Musical
Creative Cauldron Stage in Falls Church has received a $12,150.25 ArtsFairfax project grant to support the development of “His Girl Friday,” an original musical comedy scheduled to make its world premiere in October 2027.
The grant will fund “Behind the Scenes: The Making of a Black Box Musical,” a project inviting audiences and aspiring theater professionals to observe the creative process, including production meetings, workshops, rehearsals and a staged reading in June 2027.
Based on the classic 1940 film, “His Girl Friday,” the staged production will feature a big band score and pay tribute to screwball comedies and the newspaper industry. The production will open Creative Cauldron’s 2027–2028 season.
The theater will document the development process through social media updates and a final documentary shared on its YouTube channel.
Founding Artistic Director Laura Connors Hull thanked ArtsFairfax for supporting the project, which she said will give audiences a front-row seat to the creation of an original musical.
