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Dear Neighbor, 

Regardless of what might have been on the agenda this week, one thing has taken over – snow! I hope you were able to enjoy the initial beauty and excitement of our first large snowfall in a while. I did my fair share of shoveling, snow fun with kids, and tag team parenting and working while day care was closed. But judging from the large number of calls and emails coming into my office, I know many of you are frustrated with the condition of neighborhood roads. Believe me, I am too! The situation is not acceptable and that’s why my staff has been hounding the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) all week and will continue to do so. Nearly all Fairfax County roads are operated and maintained by VDOT and they are responsible for plowing these roads. I hope that the multiple alerts we have sent out this week have provided you with some helpful information. Of course, you have been providing us with helpful information, as we have relayed your road reports to VDOT and asked them to investigate and perform additional plowing and treating, as appropriate. While I know that VDOT does not aim to make neighborhood roads clear to the pavement and the continued below freezing temperatures have made the task harder than usual, we are unhappy with the results. Please continue to report hazardous road conditions to VDOT at 1-800-367-7623 and my office at dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov. We pledge to keep the pressure on VDOT!

I also want to update you on General Assembly news that affects Fairfax County. The casino bill is sadly back from the dead, with a new sponsor but few changes. As I have publicly and repeatedly stated, and as so many of you have implored me to do, I oppose this bill.  As has been pointed out ad nauseum, in contrast to every other instance in which a casino has been proposed under state legislation, the locality here has never asked for this authority. Placing a casino (with all the negative attendant consequences) on highly sought after land on the Silver Line runs directly contrary to the Tysons Plan which has been the source of significant economic, housing, and job growth opportunities for the County, all of which could be imperiled by the creation of “The Tysons Strip.” Research is clear that casinos—which draw people in and keep them away from other businesses by design—are not macroeconomic drivers in already vibrant economies like Fairfax County, so, again, this isn’t about job growth or economic development. Moreover, the tax revenue structure of this new bill is identical to the prior bill that Chairman McKay accurately described as one where the County “get[s] hosed” as “the state’s ATM.”  This new legislation, which like an earlier version lacks labor protections, is actually worse than what was proposed before in that it further restricts the County’s traditional land use authority in order to benefit a specific developer whose past failed promises Dranesville residents are familiar with. So, let’s not kid ourselves: this isn’t about tax revenues or our community’s economic health, it’s about dollars for casino owners—the only rule of casinos is that “the House always wins”—and it certainly isn’t about doing anything for the residents of Fairfax County. You can contact your state legislator and make your thoughts known, too.

Stay safe!

All the best,

Jimmy 

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Make sure you’re following us on Social Media for daily and real-time updates:

MCC Winter Block Party

Do you want the Dranesville District Supervisor to attend your organization's meeting to provide County updates and answer questions? Invite Supervisor Bierman by emailing dranesvilleBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov or calling (703)-356-0551.

McLean Community Business Center Pilot Study Survey

The McLean Community Business Center (CBC) is an approximately 230-acre area of downtown McLean centered around the intersection of Chain Bridge Road and Old Dominion Drive. A follow-on motion to the revised McLean CBC comprehensive plan that was adopted by the Board in June 2021 authorized County staff to conduct a pilot study to evaluate transportation options that would help support placemaking efforts in the McLean CBC by making it more pedestrian and bicycle friendly with street designs that also help lower vehicle speeds. The pilot study is considering five options to advance these goals. To learn more about the pilot study, please visit this webpage. Please share your input on these options by completing an online survey.  

Blood Donor Month

The month of January is designated as National Blood Donor Month in the United States. Due to holiday celebrations, inclement weather, and cold and flu season, the winter months are often a time of reduced donations and an increased risk for blood shortages. National Blood Donor Month celebrates blood donors during this critical time and reminds people of the importance of donating blood.

Help ensure that this lifesaving resource is readily available to patients during this time. Find a location to give blood and schedule your life-saving donation appointment today.

Arts Participation Survey

The Fairfax County Arts Committee is seeking public input about arts and culture preferences through a survey that will help various organizations (such as ArtsFairfax) plan for and understand community needs better. The survey will take 5-8 minutes and will inform County arts policy, resourcing, and marketing efforts. Participate and share the survey link: Fairfax County Arts Participation Survey.

It's a bright idea to use energy-efficient lighting for your home or business. But you’ll see a couple different type of lightbulbs available for purchase, how do you know which type of bulb is the right choice for you?

On this webpage, you'll learn about the different types of lightbulbs you can buy, including energy requirements and how to dispose of them.

The Dranesville District office, located at 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean VA 22101, is currently accepting certain rechargeable batteries and single-use/Alkaline batteries in our battery collection box.

All batteries contain chemicals. Some of these chemicals - especially lead, nickel, cadmium, mercury, zinc and silver - can be problematic if they are leaked or released into our environment. This is why it is important that they be handled correctly according to type.

The Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) reimburses Fairfax County residents, renters, and communities who install flood mitigation projects on their properties. The goal of FMAP is to help property owners reduce flood-related damage and improve/increase flood readiness across the County. Participants can receive reimbursement grants covering 50% of their costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 per property. Visit Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP)for more information.

Every U.S. household is eligible to order four free at-home COVID-19 tests. Your order of the tests are completely free. Order yours now!

Need help placing an order for your at-home tests? Call 1-800-232-0233; TTY 1-88-720-7489). For more information, visit covidtests.gov.

Do you know an older adult who's looking for ways to make a meaningful difference in the lives of elementary schoolchildren?

Neighborhood and Community Services is offering classroom volunteer opportunities to support the education of our most vulnerable populations in Fairfax County elementary schools through the GrandInvolve program. GrandInvolve aims to prevent social isolation and ageism through building intergenerational relationships between our young and older community members.

Classroom assistants are especially needed in Reston and Herndon for the spring semester. Bilingual abilities are also in high demand, including Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, Pashto, and Vietnamese.

For more information, visit Volunteer Portal to sign up. Questions? Contact NCS-Volunteers@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Fairfax Connector Service Changes

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will implement changes to several Fairfax Connector routes effective January 11, 2025. These modifications are part of Phase II of the Centreville, Chantilly, Vienna, and Tysons (CCVT), and Franconia-Springfield service enhancements. The plan aims to align bus service with current ridership demand and offer a new connection between Centreville and George Mason University with Route 610. This route will also make a stop at the Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage and Transit Center. As a reminder, parking is free at the Monument Garage commuter facility. For more information, please visit this webpage.

Want to improve the security of your home or business - free of charge? 

Email Daniel.Goldman@fairfaxcounty.gov today to schedule a security assessment where he'll walk your property with you and provide feedback for improvements. 

Want to be more involved with the McLean District Station Fairfax County Police Department? Consider joining their Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month.

CACs enhance communication between residents and the FCPD and offer residents a chance to dialogue with members of their local police districts. For more information regarding your local police district's CAC meetings, click here.

This month's meeting for the McLean District Station:

Thursday, January 9

7:00 p.m.

McLean Governmental Center

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean, VA

Exploring Boundaries in Parenting: Pros, Cons and Consequences is part of a free discussion series for parents presented by the Safe Community Coalition (SCC) in partnership with the McLean Community Center.

Mimi Weisberg, LCSW, Heather Tedesco, Ph.D., and Jennifer Lager, Psy.D. will facilitate discussion on how setting effective boundaries for children and teens can help create healthier family relationships. They will explore setting reasonable expectations and boundaries for different developmental stages. Discussion about scenarios and techniques that you found effective is encouraged, and tools and resources to help with the challenges of parenting will be provided.

Thursday, January 9

7:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean, VA

Experience the joy of playful learning. Children and their caregivers are invited to participate in music, movement and song in this program that highlights the natural rhythms in language.

Space is limited to 25 children (ages 0-5 years old) with up to two caregivers per child. There is no registration. Entrance tickets are provided first come, first served at the Information Desk 30 minutes before the program begins. 

Saturday, January 11

10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Meeting Rooms 1& 2

Tysons-Pimmit Library

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA

The Health and Wellness Committee is hosting a Weight-Management Health Fair! The fair is free to visitors, focusing on all things weight-management, from nutrition and fitness to wellness and coaching. Whether you're looking to promote your business or attend for wellness tips and inspiration, this fair is the perfect opportunity to engage with health-conscious individuals.

Saturday, January 11

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Ridgetop Coffee & Tea

21631 Ridgetop Circle

Sterling, VA 20166

The Great Falls Library hosts crafts and conversation once a month. This month, they invite you to create your own waterless snow globe to use as a beautiful winter decoration! Supplies will be provided. This event is for adults only. Register here.

Saturday, January 11

2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Great Falls Library Meeting Room

9830 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls, VA

Practice speaking English with a volunteer tutor and two other students on Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed 1 hour before the class. The tutor prefers that students have their cameras on. Register here.

Monday, January 13

4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Are you or do you know of a High Schooler considering a health-related career? The Fairfax County Health Department’s Public Health Youth Ambassador Program (PHYAP) is a free program that trains local students in critical areas such as community health work, opioid reduction methodologies, and teen mental health assistance. Applications are due Monday, January 13. Visit Public Health Youth Ambassadors for more information.

Older adults interested in applying for an opportunity to join a waitlist for select affordable housing properties will have the opportunity to do so beginning next week. Interested individuals must apply via Rent Café, which is an online housing application portal. The online application will be available on Monday, January 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m., on the Fairfax County Housing and Community Development website, and will remain open until Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

For Rent Café instructions, a list of properties, and more information visit the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) website.

Calling all farmers, chefs, and small food business owners! If you're interested in selling produce/food at the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Farmers Markets, join the new vendor interest meeting. This will be a virtual meeting to learn about the FCPA's 10 Farmers Markets and the requirements needed to become a vendor. 

Please register for the meeting even if you cannot attend so you can receive the recording. 

Tuesday, January 14

10:00 am

Want to be more involved with the Reston District Station Fairfax County Police Department? Consider joining their Community Advisory Committee (CAC). Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.

CACs enhance communication between residents and the FCPD and offer residents a chance to dialogue with members of their local police districts. For more information regarding your local police district's CAC meetings, click here.

This month's meeting for the Reston District Station:

Wednesday, January 29

North County Government Center

Lobby Conference Room

1801 Cameron Glen Drive

Reston, VA

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for the upcoming week will be posted tomorrow at the 495 NEXT Lane Closures webpage. Sign up to get news and updates on 495 NEXT lane closures and project updates, here.

Check out the 495 NEXT interactive map, project background and more information by visiting 495NEXT.org. If you have any questions or concerns about the 495 NEXT project, please feel free to contact the project team at 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov or 703-592-6430.

Travelers should stay informed and prepared by:

• Checking VA 511 by using 511virginia.org or via the mobile 511Virginia app
• Following VDOT on social media at:
• X (formerly Twitter): @VaDOTNOVA and @VaDOT
• Facebook: VDOT NOVA District
• Nextdoor: Virginia Department of Transportation
• Signing up for construction updates and alerts
• Calling the Construction Information Lane at 703-592-6430

Construction efforts to rehabilitate the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) are underway between I-495 and Spout Run Parkway. Construction activities will impact drivers and park visitors for the duration of the rehabilitation.

Learn More & Stay Connected:

• To opt in to receive email updates about traffic, meeting notices and information about major milestones, please click here.
• To contact the project team, please e-mail the National Park Service.
• View recordings of informational public meetings on the public meeting webpage.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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