Having trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage

Dear Neighbor, 

I hope that you are enjoying this glorious weather to end the summer and gearing up for a fun Labor Day weekend (note that County offices, including the Dranesville District office, will be closed on Labor Day). I want to touch on a bunch of things before you head into the holiday.

First, a few quick reminders:

• I will be holding a Town Hall at the McLean Community Center on September 2 at 7p.m. See you there!
• If you live in the 11th Congressional District (i.e. the Dranesville District outside the Beltway), early voting satellite locations open tomorrow, Friday, August 29, at the Great Falls Library and Herndon Fortnightly Libraries for the Special Election to fill the vacancy left by Gerry Connolly’s passing. Important note: you *cannot* vote early at the McLean Governmental Center (which is in the 8th Congressional District). I love when you come visit me during early voting, but not this time. Hours are 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturdays and early voting ends on Saturday, September 6. There will be no early voting on September 1 in recognition of the Labor Day holiday.

Second, last week I devoted my newsletter to an overview of Board of Supervisors meetings so I want to share two topics from yesterday’s Board Meeting that may be of interest to you.

• Economic Competitiveness: You can read Chairman Jeff McKay’s Board Matter discussing Fairfax County’s economic competitiveness and outlining steps we are taking to get better, and you can listen to my remarks. This is, of course, a topic of great importance to our County (and the entire state, given that Fairfax accounts for 25% of the state’s private sector employment and contributes over $167 billion annually to Virginia’s GDP) that is extremely pressing given the impact that reckless federal cuts have had and will continue to have on Fairfax County. Bottom line: regardless of whether we have a partner in Richmond that we deserve (and we certainly haven’t with this outgoing Governor), we’re going to take important steps to promote our competitiveness and prosperity in the face of major headwinds from across the river. You might also want to read Chairman McKay’s op-ed on the topic.
• USD: I have heard from many of you about the proposal to start the five-year clock to consider whether to become a Unified Sanitation District, which would involve the County acting as a bulk purchaser of trash services. Yesterday we paused this action, as we still feel there are unanswered questions that staff needs to study. You can hear my remarks, and I will be discussing it more at my Town Hall.

Third, regarding Tuesday’s Board Meeting, on a much lighter note, the Board recognized the FCPS spring sports champions on Tuesday, including two Dranesville champions: the Herndon Boys Soccer team and the Langley Boys Tennis Team. Congratulations to these teams and all of our FCPS champions – what an impressive group! 

Finally, on a fun note, are you looking to add a furry friend to your family? Check out this weekend’s Clear the Shelters event described below. We love our two rescue dogs, Tony and Stella, and your next pet – they have dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and more! – might be waiting for you at the Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax or the Lorton Campus! (Disclaimer: The Dranesville District Supervisor’s Office disclaims any and all liability in the event that a sweetheart’s puppy dog eyes win over your teenager or grade schooler and you end up with the perfect dog you have to walk and clean up after and feed and who takes over your couches and house! Sorry not sorry!) 

Have a terrific weekend!

All the best,

Please share this newsletter with your friends and neighbors. If this email was forwarded to you, consider subscribing to receive Dranesville District news and updates.

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

Green Lizard Cycling Visit

Car Wash by Boy Scout Troop 128

Sticktime & the Who's Your Daddy Horns Concert at Arrowbrook Centre Park

Herndon-Reston Rotary Club Nonperishable Food and Hygiene Products Drive

Picnic at the Great Falls Village Centre Concert

"Housing Fairfax 2025: Tysons and Beyond" Symposium

Supervisor Bierman will be hosting three town halls this fall:

• McLean - September 2
• Herndon - October 8
• Great Falls - November 13

All town halls will run from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Supervisor Bierman will be taking questions at the town halls, or you can submit questions or topics that you would like covered by emailing them in advance to DranesvilleBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the subject line “Town Hall Question.” We look forward to hearing from you!

Back-to-school season is here, and you can help Herndon Middle School students start the year strong and stay on track. By donating new backpacks, school supplies, healthy snacks, or gift cards, you’ll be supporting students’ ability to learn, grow, and thrive—both in and out of the classroom. When students are equipped with the tools they need and have access to nutritious snacks, they are better prepared to focus, connect with others, and succeed throughout the year. Donations can be dropped off by August 30 at the McLean Governmental Center (1437 Balls Hill Road) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Gift cards to major retailers are also encouraged to help families purchase exactly what they need.

Two voting sites are currently open for early voting for the 11th Congressional District special election.

Nine additional sites will open Friday, August 29 through Saturday, September 6, including Herndon Fortnightly Library and Great Falls Library. Hours are Monday through Friday, 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The McLean Governmental Center and Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library will not offer early voting because they are outside the boundaries of the 11th district. Visit Early Voting Through Sept. 6 for 11th Congressional District Special Election for more information.

Are you available weekdays and enjoy working with kids? If so, this could be the perfect opportunity!

• Last year, over 2,700 cases of child abuse or neglect were identified in Fairfax County. The Body Safety Program works to lower this number by teaching children in Pre-K through 6th grade the tools they need to prevent or interrupt child abuse.
• Volunteers play a critical role in this effort by helping children learn these vital skills in a non-alarming and developmentally appropriate way. The program’s curriculum is designed to make these conversations approachable and meaningful.
• Facilitators receive training before they begin and work with the full support of the Body Safety Program staff, who are always present to assist.
• There is a particular need for bilingual English/Spanish-speaking volunteers. ¡Si usted habla español, necesitamos su ayuda!

Volunteers are asked to commit to teaching at least eight classes a month (each lasting 45–60 minutes) for at least one school year, serving elementary schools across Fairfax County.

To learn more, visit the Body Safety Program webpage.

Did you know the average outdoor flag lasts only about 90 days? Flying the stars and stripes outside your home is a great way to showcase pride in our country. But the ever-changing weather and the blasting rays of the sun will inevitably result in a worn-out flag.

The United States has a set of laws pertaining to disposal known as the United States Flag Code, or “retiring the flag." Bring old, tattered flags to the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Road) or other County locations for proper disposal, learn how to bury flags as another way to properly dispose Old Glory and see how to properly display an American flag by visiting this webpage. 

Big news for bike enthusiasts and commuters alike! Fairfax County has expanded its

Capital Bikeshare network, adding ten new stations and 70 electric bikes to the fleet. This latest expansion includes six stations located at the Innovation Center Metro Station and within the surrounding neighborhood. Locations include:

• Innovation Center Metro South Entrance (along Carta Way)
• Carta Way and Sayward Boulevard
• Coppermine Road and River Birch Road
• Dulles Technology Drive and Sunrise Valley Drive
• McNair Farms Drive and Thomas Jefferson Drive
• Woodland Park Road and Cooperative Way

Capital Bikeshare offers another way to connect to our public transit system, local businesses, restaurants, jobs, recreation and more!

With 94 stations and more than 500 bikes spread across Fairfax County, Capital Bikeshare continues to grow as a key resource for getting around—whether you’re commuting, running errands, or exploring your community. Riders can choose from a variety of purchase options, with discounted plans available for those who qualify. Hear what Supervisor Bierman has to say about Capital Bikeshare and learn more about the new stations by visiting this webpage.

As we approach the 250th anniversary of America, stay informed of events that celebrate America’s founding and the pivotal role that Virginia and our area played in its founding. You can see upcoming events and sign up for the 250th Commission newsletter by visiting this webpage.

If you’re a kid with artistic talent, or know of any, help spread the word about the first Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) Truck Art Design Contest. The contest challenges participants to raise awareness about the benefits of zero-waste practices.

Participants will fall into one of three categories, grades 5-6, grades 7-8, and grades 9-12. Students can submit original artwork reflecting the theme: “Imagining a zero-waste future for our communities” to inspire residents to adopt waste reduction, reuse, and recycling habits. Submissions are due October 3.

The winning artwork will debut on Fairfax Recycles Day in November 2025 and will be featured on the SWMP collection trucks and other program vehicles. Winners will be notified in October.

For more information about the contest, including how to submit your artwork, submission guidelines and entry requirements, go to Fairfax Recycles Day - Truck Art Contest 2025 | Public Works and Environmental Services.

Want to be a part of ending teen dating violence in our community? Join the Fairfax County Teen Advocates program and make your voice heard! Build your knowledge and tools to promote healthy relationships--and have fun along the way.

As a teen advocate you can:

• Champion a cause you care about.
• Become a leader among your peers.
• Make new friends who are passionate like you.
• Plan impactful events and activities.

Applications are due Friday, September 19. Visit Teens – Make Your Voice Heard! | Family Services for more information.

Come work on your own quilting projects with other members of the community or help with charity quilting projects. No registration needed. Just drop-in!

Friday, August 29

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library Maker Lab

768 Center Street

Herndon

Clear The Shelters is back! Adoption fees will be waived for all pets throughout the weekend, including dogs, cats, rabbits and more. For more details, please visit Clear The Shelters: Fee-Waived Adoption Event.

Friday, August 29

12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

&

Saturday, August 30

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

&

Sunday, August 31

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Locations:

• Michael R. Frey Campus: 4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax
• Lorton Campus: 8875 Lorton Road, Lorton

Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church will host its 32nd annual Middle Eastern Food Festival. The festival will feature authentic Middle Eastern food, pastries, music and dancing, as well as vendors, church tours, and activities for both children and adults.

The festival will be held rain or shine. Admission and parking are free. To learn more, including how to order in advance, visit Middle Eastern Food Festival – Holy Transfiguration Church.

Saturday, August 30

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

&

Sunday, August 31

12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Holy Transfiguration Church

8501 Lewinsville Road

McLean

International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), observed annually on August 31, is a campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of family and friends left behind.

Fairfax County has worked to address the local impacts of the national opioid epidemic through a multi-pronged strategy involving a wide range of stakeholders. Significant local resources, strong cross-system collaboration and County leadership united in their commitment led to the creation of an Opioid and Substance Use Task Force in 2017 and has resulted in several programs and initiatives that have helped individuals and families dealing with the impacts of substance use disorder.This work has been outlined in and guided by Fairfax County’s Opioid Response Plan, which was recently updated for FY 26-28 (plans from prior years are available online). 

For more information about identifying the signs of overdose and how to respond, please visit this webpage.

Join Supervisor Bierman for a town hall to discuss the topics that matter most to you in the Dranesville District. If you have questions or would like to request reasonable ADA accommodations, please email dranesvilleBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Tuesday, September 2

7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Here is your chance to be part of the workshop cast of a brand-new, TYA (Theatre for Young Audiences) holiday musical! Participating students will work with a professional production team, alongside two professional adult actors, and the playwrights themselves on this fresh, musical theatre take on the classic ballet. Singing and dancing ensemble roles are available for elementary and middle students ages 8 and up, lead roles are open to high school actors in grades 9-12. For more audition information, please visit Under the Tree — NextStop Theatre Company.

The McLean Community Center’s (MCC) Governing Board begins work on its Fiscal Year 2027 budget by holding two public meetings in September. The board invites residents of Dranesville Small District 1A to attend the meetings as they pay a real estate surcharge to support the center. All MCC Governing Board meetings are open to the public.

The first budget meeting will be held in person on September 3. At the Finance Committee Meeting of the Whole, MCC Finance Committee Chair Peter Pin and the full board will examine the proposed FY2027 budget as presented by the MCC staff. District residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to observe; however, public comment is reserved for the Public Hearing, which will be held Wednesday, September 24.

For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711 or visit the center’s website.  

Wednesday, September 3

6:30 p.m.

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Fairfax County is developing an Active Transportation and Trails Plan to create a safe, convenient, and connected network for people of all ages and abilities. Your feedback will help shape the vision for walking, biking, and trails in our community. Complete the survey by September 19 or attend one of the upcoming virtual community meetings. For more details, visit the project webpage.

Wednesday, September 3

7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Join the meeting on Microsoft Teams

Join the meeting on the web

(Meeting ID: 236 941 186 389 3; Passcode: h5H6Ke6m)

Dial In: 571-429-5982; Conference ID: 747 865 061#

Thursday, September 4

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Join the meeting on Microsoft Teams

Join the meeting on the web

(Meeting ID: 211 556 945 689 7; Passcode: 2HZ3Ho6P)

Dial In: 571-429-5982; Conference ID: 912 042 675#

Thursday, September 4

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

&

Friday, September 5

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

&

Saturday, September 6

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

&

Sunday, September 7

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Bag sale. $10 for a full grocery sack or half price if less.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church

Saturday, September 6

Old Firehouse Center

1440 Chain Bridge Road

McLean

The McLean Area American Association of University Women (AAUW) will be hosting their 51st Annual Used Book Sale. Proceeds from the sale will support scholarships and fellowships for both local and international women scholars, helping advance education and opportunities for women around the world.

In preparation for this popular event, donations of ten books or fewer are welcome daily at ROOTS CAFÉ or TIMBER PIZZA in McLean during business hours.

For more information, please email aauwbooksale2025@gmail.com. Don’t miss your chance to support a great cause and give your books a second life!

If you are exploring a business idea, running a new start-up, or managing an established company, this free workshop is designed for you. To get tickets, please visit Entrepreneurship 101: From Idea to Expansion.

Tuesday, September 9

8:15 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

UVA Northern Virginia Campus

8095 Innovation Park Drive

Falls Church

Sept. 10: AI For Seniors at Great Falls Library

Discover how AI can support aging with independence and dignity. Smart home tech, voice assistants, memory boosters, and health monitors—experience live demos and leave empowered to use AI every day. Register by visiting AI for Seniors & Assistive Technology.

Wednesday, September 10

10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Great Falls Library Meeting Room

9830 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

The Solid Waste Management Program is excited to share the positive changes made to enhance their service delivery and communication during the upcoming leaf collection season. Over 3,800 residents responded to the 2024 Vacuum Leaf Collection Customer Service Survey. Additionally, staff reviewed over 3,400 comments. This valuable survey feedback is incorporated into the 2025 vacuum leaf season. Learn more on the County vacuum leaf collection webpage. County vacuum leaf collection customers are invited to join a virtual information session where staff will provide updates on the upcoming season. See the link to the virtual information session below.

Wednesday, September 10

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Microsoft Teams Meeting Link

Meeting ID: 231 751 498 411 2

Passcode: PV3RV63g

Dial in by phone

1-571-429-5982

Phone conference ID: 644 596 26# 

The Virginia Housing Trust Fund - Homeless Reduction Grant application is now open. The goal of the HTF-HRG program is to reduce homelessness in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) will support Continuum of Care (CoC) strategies and homeless service projects that are or will be a part of an effective emergency crisis response system to ensure that homelessness is rare, brief, and one time.

All applicants will be required to submit their project applications through the CAMS system in order to be considered for the 2026 HTF-HRG program.

The 2026 HTF-HRG program will support three project types:

• Rapid Re-housing
• Underserved Populations Innovation Project
• Permanent Supportive Housing (housing stabilization services and rental assistance for chronically homeless)

The HTF-HRG application is due by Friday, September 12. For any questions about the 2026 HTF-HRG application please contact Deserae Williams at deserae.williams@dhcd.virginia.gov or (804) 965-4690.

Discover a wealth of community and health services and programs available in your neighborhood. Learn how to take important preventative steps ensuring good health. Connect with local organizations, clinics, and experts dedicated to your family's well-being. The Fairfax County Sheriff's Department will be offering free Child ID services. Enjoy food, family-friendly games, raffle prizes and more.

Saturday, September 13

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center

1086 Elden Street

Herndon

Stuff the Bus has been a critical resource for local food pantries and families struggling with food insecurity. In partnership with local grocery stores, volunteers, and community organizations, the program collects non-perishable food items and financial donations at various locations throughout the County. This collaboration helps keep the shelves of local pantries and food providers stocked throughout the year.

Stuff the Bus in Herndon to benefit Cornerstones: If you plan to donate to the Stuff the Bus food drive at this location, please consider giving items from this list.

• Spaghetti
• Pasta Sauce
• Boxed Mac and Cheese
• Canned Mixed Vegetables
• Small Bottles of Cooking Oil
• Old Fashioned Oatmeal
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly

Saturday, September 13

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Giant

2425 Centreville Road

Herndon

Stuff the Bus in McLean to benefit SHARE of McLean: If you plan to donate to the Stuff the Bus food drive at this location, please consider giving items from this list.

• Canned Fruit and Fruit Cups
• Canned Chicken
• Canned Beans (chickpeas, kidney, black)
• Canned Tomatoes (sauce, diced, whole)
• Pasta Sauce (plastic, 24 oz.)
• Pasta (elbow, penne, spaghetti)
• Peanut Butter (16 oz.)
• Instant Oatmeal (box)

Saturday, September 13

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Giant

1454 Chain Bridge Road

McLean

Sept. 13: Food for Neighbors Red Bag Day

Food For Neighbors is seeking donors for their upcoming Red Bag Day on September 13. You can fill a Red Bag (that Food For Neighbors supplies) with food from their grocery list. Drivers pick up the filled bag right from your front door and volunteers sort the food to distribute to local schools the same day. Visit Food For Neighbors - Red Bag Program to request your Red Bag.

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

Overnight I-495 Lane Closures Near Georgetown Pike



Beginning Monday night, August 18, and continuing for two weeks, 495 NEXT crews will implement triple lane closures with traffic stoppages on northbound and southbound I-495 between the American Legion Memorial Bridge and the Dulles Corridor Interchange for construction on the new Georgetown Pike Bridge. Closures will occur from 9:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. and intermittent traffic stoppages of up to 30-minutes each will happen between midnight and 5 a.m. The ramp from northbound GWMP to southbound I-495 will also be closed nightly 10 p.m.–5 a.m., beginning Sunday night, August 17, and continuing Monday through Saturday nights for approximately two weeks. 

Transurban's Express Lanes Community Grant Program

Groups dedicated to improving communities along the 495 NEXT corridor are invited to submit applications for Transurban's 495 NEXT Community Grant program.

The next deadline to apply for a community grant is September 30, 2025.

Click here to learn more about Transurban’s Express Lanes Community Grant programs and how to apply. 

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

View as Webpage