Chili Winner — Fairfax County Police office Darren Tran was the winner of the Guns n’ Hoses Chili Cookoff at Oktoberfest Reston earlier this month. He shares his secret recipe. [WJLA]

Costumes in the Stands — The South Lakes HS Athletic Boosters are sponsoring a Halloween Contest at this Friday’s football game. There will be two winners chosen by the Boosters and Concession stand volunteers: winner of Best costume will win SLHS apparel, and winner of Scariest costume will win a full box of candy of choice and a 12 pack of soda of choice. Costumes must be appropriate for a school event (e.g. no fake weapons).  

Election Day Chips — On Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 4, California Tortilla restaurants, including the Reston store at North Point, will be be gviing out free chips and queso — no purchase necessary! To redeem your Election Day freebie, just say the secret password “I VOTED,” or show the cashier your “I Voted” sticker.

Blankets for Refugees — Fairfax County Supervisor Sharon Bulova and other local leaders have kicked off a blanket drive to help Syrian refugees. Blankets will be collected at various locations throughout Northern Virginia and will be shipped to refugees who have recently landed in Turkey. Last year, local municipalities and faith groups collected 18,000 blankets. [Help Syrian Refugees]