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Dear Neighbor,

It is with a very heavy heart that I share the passing of longtime Chief of Staff to the Dranesville District, Jane Edmondson, following surgical complications and a lengthy hospitalization. You can read her incredibly moving obituary here.

Simply put, Jane was incredible. A true force of nature known for seemingly helping and knowing everyone in the Dranesville District. She served as John Foust’s Chief of Staff for nearly sixteen years, and she spent several months with me helping get our office on track before moving onto bigger and better things, namely time with her beloved family, including her husband Jim of forty-four years, her four children, Ben, Mark, Jeff, and Lauren, and her eleven grandchildren.

Jane played a huge role in setting the tenor of John’s office and mine, where we try to emphasize constituent services and delivering for the residents of the Dranesville District above all else. I have spoken many times of my admiration for my predecessor; we all know that Jane was a big part of his success as well. Few could do it with Jane’s pizzazz and mischievous grin. As John laughed to me, “Jane could beat people up and then they’d want to go out to lunch and dinner with her afterwards!” Jane’s knowledge of local issues – and the files she kept – were legendary (and we’ll still be referring to those files for many years to come). There are so many projects that got done around the Dranesville District because of Jane’s dogged determination including, among many others, the renovations of the Spring Hill Rec Center, where she could be found most days.

Even though Jane retired, she never went far from County service, continuing to serve on the Human Services Council, mentoring new appointees, and even watching a Board Meeting from time to time (and texting me good and sometimes hilarious advice during them, and occasionally cheering on a well-placed barb…). She came back to brief me once on Human Services Council happenings and still clearly had a handle on so many things going on in the County – probably still a bigger handle on it than I did! – and yet she pointed out, with characteristic bluntness and a huge smile: “You know, I really thought I’d miss work, but I don’t! Retirement is great!”

Jane should have had more time. We sure are lucky for the time we had with her. She will be missed terribly.

We will be remembering Jane’s incredible life at Lewinsville Presbyterian Church in McLean on Saturday, October 11, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow in her honor. If you would like to make a contribution in Jane’s honor, her family recommends Chesterbrook Residences, Inc., where she long volunteered.

Thank you.

All the best,

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Before getting to your regularly scheduled newsletter content and all of this week’s happenings in the Dranesville District, I want to specifically highlight a statement from eight members of the Board of Supervisors this week regarding the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia following numerous news reports – and an incriminating Truth Social post – that President Trump pressured Interim United States Attorney Erik Siebert, President Trump’s own nominee, to resign over Mr. Siebert’s refusal to bring bogus charges against the president’s political opponents. You can read the entire statement here, or below. It should be obvious that the rule of law and public safety both demand that a United States Attorney’s Office serve as more than the president’s vehicle to pursue personal vendettas. The Eastern District of Virginia U.S. Attorney’s office plays an important role in cross-jurisdictional, federal criminal cases to keep us safe. Meritless political prosecutions not only distract and divert resources away from that critical mission, but they are also a threat to our Constitutional order and must be condemned at every turn.

Old Firehouse Center 35th Anniversary and Mural Celebration

Shouse Village HOA Meeting

Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance Meeting

The free exchange of ideas is absolutely critical to a functioning democracy and community — so let’s talk!

Supervisor Bierman hosted a town hall on September 2 and will be hosting two more this fall:

• 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!

Happy Fall! As leaves change colors across Fairfax County, it’s the perfect time to plant trees—especially native species that support local ecosystems. With over 40 million trees in our County, these vital community assets provide more than just shade. Visit All About Trees for tips on tracking and enjoying fall foliage, along with guidance on planting and protecting trees.

The first day of fall brings cooler air, colorful leaves, and shorter days. As the sun sets earlier, our FCPD officers want to remind everyone that safety on the road is a shared responsibility. Whether you are walking, running, or driving, taking a few extra precautions can help prevent crashes and save lives. Visit Leaf Nothing to Chance: Pedestrian and Driving Safety This Fall for safety tips for both pedestrians and drivers.

Scams are becoming more common—and more convincing—every day. Scammers often target people by phone, email, text, or even in person, using tricks designed to create fear, urgency, or false hope. Older adults, in particular, are often targeted due to their trusting nature, unfamiliarity with new technology, or because they may live alone. But everyone is at risk, and everyone can take steps to stay safe.

Stay safe by watching for red flags like requests for gift cards or wire transfers, high-pressure tactics, unsolicited calls or emails, and threats of arrest or deportation. Protect yourself by screening calls, safeguarding personal information, monitoring finances, and checking with a trusted friend or family member before acting on anything suspicious.

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. If you sent money, please complete a FiCOR report so a Financial Crimes Detective can investigate. For help verifying a request, call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.

Rising food costs and reduced benefits are making it harder for many families to afford a holiday meal. The Cornerstones Thanksgiving Food Drive offers three ways to help: make a matched financial contribution (up to $35,000), shop the Amazon Wish List for direct delivery, or pack a Thanksgiving box with a $25 grocery store gift card for drop-off at their FREE from Hunger Center in Sterling on November 19 or 20. For more information, please visit this webpage.

ArtsFairfax artoberVA

ArtsFairfax invites you to “fall into the arts” with artoberVA, the inaugural month-long celebration of local arts in Fairfax! From October 1-31, 2025, ArtsFairfax will showcase free events, and discount offers from dozens of local artists and arts organizations in the Fairfax region. Learn more about upcoming artoberVA events and opportunities by visiting ArtsFairfax Announces artoberVA.

Metro will be single-tracking on the Silver and Orange Lines in order to make repairs:

• Sept. 27-28: Station closures between Foggy Bottom-GWU to Pentagon and Pentagon to Clarendon.

Get alerts: Sign up for MetroAlerts to stay on top of service delays and disruptions:

• Metrorail and/or Metrobus delays and service disruptions
• Metrobus schedule changes and detours
• MetroAccess alerts

Join Acclaim Technical Services team members David Popelier, Shawn Clark, Mary Khattak, Ryan Johnson, Lisa Egeland, Candace Craig, Anna McClellan, and Danelle Fields as they “Guest Bartend” at Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern to benefit Cornerstones. Enjoy raffles, prizes, and more—plus live music from The Texas Chainsaw Horns!

Thursday, September 25

6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Jimmy's Old Town Tavern

697 Spring Street

Herndon

September is Suicide Prevention Month, and everyone can play a role in saving lives. QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) is a simple, effective method to help someone in crisis—much like CPR helps in medical emergencies. In a free, 60-minute virtual training, participants will learn how to recognize warning signs, ask tough questions, offer hope, and connect someone to help. Open to anyone 16 and older, this training is offered by CSB’s Wellness, Health Promotion and Prevention team. Sign up to attend this virtual session by visiting QPR Suicide Prevention Training.

Friday, September 26

1:00 p.m.

McLean Project for the Arts is currently seeking submissions for their winter exhibition, PhotoGenesis 2. Work that springs from photographic images, ideas, or techniques will be considered. Work may, but need not necessarily, remain within the realm of photography to be included in the exhibit. The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 26. Learn more here.

Start your own garden with the provided seeds and information! Choose from a variety of vegetable and herb seeds, then take home and plant. The Seed Library is located next to the Holds Shelf and is open during normal operating hours.

Saturday, September 27

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

Since 1994, National Public Lands Day has mobilized volunteers of all ages to engage in a celebration of service and stewardship of America’s public lands. The event is the largest single-day national volunteer effort to preserve, restore, improve and enjoy America’s public lands. Be a part of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s celebration of National Public Lands Day by visiting National Public Lands Day | Park Authority and signing up for any of the wide selection of service activities to protect the natural, cultural and recreational resources of our treasured park system!

There are two opportunities to get involved in Dranesville this upcoming National Public Lands Day on September 27:

• Trash Pickup and Trail Maintenance

9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Difficult Run Stream Valley Park

9900 Colvin Run Road

Great Falls

• Invasive Plant Pull

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

Colvin Run Mill Park

10017 Colvin Run Road

Great Falls

Celebrate autumn with your family locally! Harvest Happenings is an indoor-outdoor festival with live entertainment, a petting zoo, crafts and games. Visit the pumpkin patch and purchase a pumpkin to decorate.

Saturday, September 27

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

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Do you need tech help? Community members can visit the Tech Help Desk, where volunteers are ready to provide support. Consultations typically run 15–20 minutes and may be longer when time allows. Walk-ins are welcome, and no appointment is required.

Sunday, September 28

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

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church

Oct. 1: Coffee with a Cop

Stop by Greenberry's for a chance to connect with the McLean District Police. This relaxed and welcoming event offers an opportunity to ask questions about community safety, share concerns, or simply get to know the officers who serve and protect. Don’t miss this chance to build relationships and have meaningful conversations over a cup of coffee.

Wednesday, October 1

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

Greenberry's Coffee Co.

6839 Redmond Drive

McLean

Oct. 3: SWMP Truck Art Design Contest Deadline

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.

Swap, save, and spook in style! Kids grow fast, so why not trade in last year’s costume for something new-to-you? Participate in the Kids Halloween Costume Exchange, a fun and budget-friendly way to get your little ghosts and goblins ready for Halloween.

Here’s how it works:

• Donate gently used children’s costumes at the Herndon Community Center through noon on Thursday, October 2.
• Come back for the Costume Exchange on Friday, October 3, and pick out something new for your child.

Important Notes:

• Limit two costumes per family
• Costumes must be in good, clean condition
• Open to all families—no registration required

Make your Halloween a little more sustainable and a lot more fun with this community-friendly event!

The McLean Revitalization Corporation and the Office of Supervisor Bierman are bringing a fun and free family-friendly evening for all of McLean to enjoy at Franklin Sherman Elementary School on Friday, October 3! Expect games, entertainment, giveaways, and of course, a Movie Under the Stars. The doors for the event will open at 5:00 p.m., so come early and find your spot on the lawn! The movie, which will be voted on by the community using this link, will begin on the lawn by the playground just after sundown around 7:15 p.m. Please secure your free tickets here.

Friday, October 3

5:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Franklin Sherman Elementary School

6633 Brawner Street

McLean

The McLean 5K returns on October 4! This certified course welcomes runners of all abilities, with proceeds benefiting the McLean Community Foundation, which has supported local projects for more than 35 years. Participants are also encouraged to bring food donations for Share of McLean to help neighbors in need (see their "Most Needed Items" list here). For more information, including packet pick-up times and how to register, please visit McLean 5k – McLean Center.

Saturday, October 4

8:00 a.m.

McLean Shopping Center

6631 Old Dominion Drive

McLean

This National Preparedness Month, participate in a day of celebrating, learning, and practicing public safety and emergency preparedness! The event is hosted by Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications (9-1-1) and the Department of Emergency Management and Security.

Saturday, October 4

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

McConnel Public Safety and Transportation Operations Center

4890 Alliance Drive

Fairfax

Embark on a two-hour journey around the world—without ever leaving town! All ages are welcome to join this free, fun and educational event. Visit Global Passport Adventure for more information.

Sunday, October 5

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts

1551 Trap Road

Vienna

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host an online meeting to discuss the proposed bike lane on Sayward Boulevard between Carta Way and Sunrise Valley Drive. Visit this webpage for more information, including how to join the virtual meeting.

Tuesday, October 7

7:00 p.m.

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.

Wednesday, October 8

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

Herndon Fortnightly Library

768 Center Street

Herndon

In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, October 7 - 13, all Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Stations will be hosting an Open House. Stop by your local station that day to meet your firefighters, see the fire trucks, join in the activities and learn about fire safety.

Saturday, October 11

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Oct. 13: Salona Public Meeting

The Fairfax County Park Authority invites you to an in-person meeting to learn more about the future of Salona in the Dranesville District. Following the meeting, community members are encouraged to submit their comments online at engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/salonapark. The public comment period will be open until 5:00 p.m. on November 13, 2025.

Monday, October 13

7:30 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave

McLean

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

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

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