Celebrations and Closings in observance of the birthday of  Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The federal holiday, commemorating was first celebrated 25 years ago.

Even the CIA invited the neighbors to join its commemoration today.

The Central Intelligence Agency. 11 am Wednesday, Jan. 12. Nikki Giovanni, American poet, staunch civil rights activist, and Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, read pieces of her work. Leon E. Panetta, Director of the CIA, also made a statement. The event,  was held in the CIA headquarters auditorium. For more details, contact the Office of Public Affairs.

McLean Community Center. MLK Blues n’ BBQ Dinner,  Sunday, January 16.  5 to 7 pm, guitarist and banjoist Curtis Blues will strum the Delta Blues, taking guests of all ages through an American musical tapestry. A barbeque dinner, catered by The Tender Rib of Temple Hills, Maryland, will be served.

Admission: $5 for adults and $3 for children age 10 and under; guests can register online here.

St. John’s Episcopal Church, second annual outreach event: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day: A Day On, Not A Day Off.

Volunteers will work at a local Habitat for Humanity ReStore in Chantilly, which sells reusable and surplus building materials to the public. The proceeds benefit local Habitat affiliates and the construction of Habitat homes in their communities. 

“We think that this day is so important,” says Martha Kidd, Co-Chair of the Missions Committee at St. John’s. “It provides a volunteer opportunity that reaches across generations and across parishes. People are busy, so it is hard for them to commit to ongoing volunteer events. This is a chance, for one day, to build fellowship.”

In honor of the federal holiday, Fairfax County Public Schools are closed, as are most private schools in McLean, including the Potomac School, Madeira School, Langley School, Oakcrest School, Brooksfield School, Saint Luke School, Ridgemont Montessori School, and Country Day School.

Statement from Dranesville Supervisor John Foust: Martin Luther King, Jr. once stated that ‘Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: what are you doing for others? As we celebrate the Martin Luther King holiday, I encourage all McLean residents to let King’s legacy inspire them to volunteer and devote time to our community, with the goal of bringing change through unity.”

What's Closed in County Government?

County Government – Closed.

Courts – Closed.
Note: Also closed Friday, Jan. 14 for Lee Jackson Day.

Public Schools and School Offices – Closed.

Library – Closed.

Country recreation centers remain open. A full list of county closures is here.