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Dear Neighbor, 

Just wanted to start with a quick reminder. This weekend is Daylight Savings, so don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour!  

Turning to other things on the horizon, the November 3rd midterm elections are just around the corner, and it’s been wonderful to see hundreds of you stopping by the McLean Governmental Center to cast your ballots early! In the spirit of election season, we thought we’d offer some nonpartisan reminders about how to vote and what’s on the ballot this year. 

So first off, if you haven’t voted yet, there’s of course still time! Early in-person voting continues through Saturday, October 31. And if you don’t want to vote early, you can vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, when polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

One important reminder: The McLean Governmental Center will NOT be open for voting on Election Day. You’ll need to head to your regular polling precinct instead. Not sure where that is? Just enter your address on Fairfax County’s My Neighborhood website to find your precinct. You can also use the site to see who represents you in Fairfax County, in Richmond, and in Washington. 

And if you missed the regular voter registration deadline, don't worry! Virginia allows eligible residents to register and cast a provisional ballot through Election Day. You can find more information on the Fairfax County Office of Elections website. 

I had the pleasure of welcoming a Middle School civics students to early voting yesterday who had great questions about what’s on the ballot and the voting process. They were patient enough to listen to me run down everything that’s on the ballot this year – from Congress to the Virginia Constitution to the Herndon Town Council to bond referenda, it’s a lot! – and no one fell asleep, so hopefully though this newsletter is long, you can make it through it with some interesting information as well!

You can find a full list of Who/What is on your ballot and sample ballots here from the Fairfax County Office of Elections. If you live inside the Beltway in the Dranesville District, this is what your ballot will look like, and if you live outside the Beltway in the Dranesville District, here is your ballot.  If you live in the Town of Herndon, here is your ballot. (Many kudos to the Office of Elections for their work in preparing so many different ballot types, and of course wait until next year when there will also be 15 different House of Delegates Races, 7 different State Senate Races, and 9 different Magisterial District Races – it gets complicated!) 

All Dranesville District residents will have the opportunity to cast their ballots for either incumbent Democrat Mark Warner or Republican challenger Bert Mizusawa. 

If you live outside the Beltway in the Dranesville District, your choice in the 11th Congressional District race is incumbent Democrat James Walkinshaw, Republican challenger Arthur Purves, or Green Party challenger Dianne Blais. 

If you live inside the Beltway in the Dranesville District, your choice in the 8th Congressional District race is incumbent Democrat Don Beyer, Republican challenger Tony Sabio, Libertarian challenger Shelly Arnoldi, or Independent challenger Tim Shaman. 

If you live in the Town of Herndon, incumbent Mayor Keven Leblanc is running unopposed. Six Town Council seats are up for election as well with Twelve Candidates. You can choose any six candidates. The Town Council incumbents running again are Cesar Del Aguila, Kelvin Garcia, Clark Hedrick, Michael Lloyd, and Alex Reyes. Other candidates include: Josif Esekilov, Doug Mehia, Sabrina Bruce, Yasmin Shafiq, Meron Yohannes, Justin Britt, and Stevan Porter. Just be sure to *only* choose six to make sure your ballot counts! 

That’s a lot but wait, there’s more! 

We also have three Constitutional Amendment questions to choose from. 

You can learn more about Ballot Question 1 here, which asks: “Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to (i) protect the freedom to make personal decisions about prenatal care, childbirth, postpartum care, birth control, abortion, miscarriage management, and fertility care; (ii) protect doctors, nurses, and patients from being punished for these decisions; and (iii) allow for restrictions on access to abortion during the third trimester of pregnancy except when the patient's health is at risk or the pregnancy cannot survive?” Again, you can find the full text of the Amendment and how it will change our Virginia Constitution here.  

You can learn more about Ballot Question 2 here, which asks: “Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to (i) remove the ban on same-sex marriage; (ii) affirm that two adults may marry regardless of sex, gender, or race; and (iii) require all legally valid marriages to be treated equally under the law?” Again, you can find the full text of the Amendment and how it will change our Virginia Constitution here.  

You can learn more about Ballot Question 3 here, which asks: Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended (i) to provide for the fundamental right to vote in the Commonwealth, (ii) to revise the qualifications of voters so that a person convicted of a felony is not entitled to vote during his period of incarceration but is automatically invested with the right to vote upon release from incarceration, and (iii) to update the existing prohibition on voting by persons found to be mentally incompetent to instead apply to persons who have been found to lack the capacity to understand the act of voting? Again, you can find the full text of the Amendment and how it will change our Virginia Constitution here. 

So that’s a lot, I mean we have to choose our members of Congress and think about changing our Constitution?! But wait… there’s more! 

You have two other questions on your ballot that hit a little closer to home regarding funding our county's parks and public health facilities through bond issuances. First, what exactly is a bond? Think of a bond as a way for the county to borrow money for major, long-term projects rather than paying the entire cost upfront. The county then repays the money, with interest, over several years, using county revenues, including tax revenues. 

You can learn more about the Parks and Park Facilities Bond question here, which asks: “Shall Fairfax County, Virginia, contract a debt, borrow money, and issue bonds, in addition to the parks and park facilities bonds previously authorized, in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $180,000,000 for the purpose of providing funds, with any other available funds, to finance, including reimbursement to the County for temporary financing for, the Fairfax County Park Authority’s cost to acquire, construct, develop, and equip additional parks and park facilities, to preserve open-space land, and to develop and improve existing parks and park facilities?” A full explanation of the 2026 Park Bond Referendum and what it would fund can be found here. 

You can learn more about the Community Health and Human Services Facilities Bond question here, which asks: “Shall Fairfax County, Virginia, contract a debt, borrow money, and issue bonds, in addition to the community health and human services facilities bonds previously authorized, in the maximum aggregate principal amount of $75,000,000 for the purpose of providing funds, with any other available funds, to finance, including reimbursement to the County for temporary financing for, the cost to provide community health and human services facilities, including the construction, reconstruction, enlargement, and equipment of existing and additional community health and human services facilities and the acquisition of necessary land?” A full explanation of the 2026 Health and Human Services Facility Bond Referendum can be found here. 

But wait there’s… ok, there isn’t any more. That’s it! That’s what’s on the ballot this year! 

Happy voting and hope to see you on Election Day – I’ll be visiting lots of polling places. 

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:

Jimmy in the Community

Chain Bridge Cup

Dranesville Celebrates Trees

Fairfax Crest Ribbon Cutting

Herndon Homecoming Parade

Runnymede Park Spooky Walk

Early Voting

16 sites are open for early voting through Saturday, October 31 for the November 3 General Election. The sites within the Dranesville district include the McLean Governmental Center, Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Herndon Fortnightly Library, and Great Falls Library. These sites will be open from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday.

Unlike election day voting, when voters must vote in their precinct, during early voting, any Fairfax County voter may vote at any Fairfax County early voting location. For more information, please visit In-Person Early Voting | Elections. 

Other Important Dates and Links: 

• Who/What is on your ballot? 

Closed for Election Day

Make Halloween Fun and Safe, Not Frightening

Halloween is Saturday, Oct. 31, this year. Fairfax County does not set a separate trick-or-treat date, so neighborhood trick-or-treating typically happens the evening of the 31st. Before the costumes come out, here’s what families, drivers and homeowners should know to keep the night fun instead of frightening. Continue reading here.

Bryn Mawr Park Accessibility Improvements

The Fairfax County Park Authority has begun making improvements to trail accessibility at Bryn Mawr Park in McLean. The project is upgrading the park’s existing gravel trails to an accessible trail surface. In addition, several stormwater culverts beneath the trails are being replaced to improve drainage. New concrete bench pads will also be installed to accommodate accessible benches once the trail work is complete. Construction is expected be completed into November. For the next few weeks, residents may notice occasional construction traffic entering and existing the park via Tennyson Drive and Laughlin Avenue.

Reach for Reusables on No Disposable Cup Day and Celebrate Fairfax Recycles Day

This November, join Clean Fairfax in celebrating No Disposable Cup Day on November 4th: remember to #ReachForReusables! Take your reusable coffee mug and water bottle with you wherever you go. Not only does it conserve resources, but you can save money by pouring your drinks at home and refilling at water stations. Many coffee shops also offer a discount for using your own container. Take a pic and use #ReachForReusables to qualify for a free and useful reusable item.

Clean Fairfax will also be present at the Fairfax Recycles Day celebration on Saturday, November 14th from 11:00AM-3:00PM at Glen Forest Elementary School in Falls Church, VA, so come say hello! Test your recycling knowledge with our waste sorting game. This event, organized in honor of America Recycles Day, is hosted by Fairfax County Department of Public Works and features the Solid Waste Management Program and Stormwater Management. 

You can also bring the following materials for recycling, disposal, or donation:

• Small e-waste items 
• Household batteries
• Glass bottles and jars 
• Clean winter jackets 
• Housewares
• Emergency supplies

Visit the Fairfax Recycles Day webpage for more details.

VDOT: Sidewalk Around Westbound Georgetown Pike Temporarily Closed

The sidewalk along westbound Georgetown Pike between Balls Hill Road and the ramp from southbound I-495 will be closed through Friday, November 13. The new shared-use trail that connects to this sidewalk and all other segments of the trail will remain open while the sidewalk is closed. In addition to the sidewalk closure, the right lane of westbound Georgetown Pike in this area will be closed periodically during weekday, daytime hours during this timeframe. Closures will be implemented as needed for sidewalk and retaining wall construction work and may occur from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Mondays through Fridays. For more information, visit this webpage.

Old Ox Road Transportation Project

Loudoun County, in coordination with the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), is hosting a virtual public meeting to share information about the project to widen Old Ox Road (Route 606) from Route 28 to Rock Hill Road. This project includes design and construction activities to widen Old Ox Road from Route 28 to Rock Hill Road and to add shared-use paths on both sides of Old Ox Road to address traffic congestion and safety concerns.

The virtual public meeting will be held online on Wednesday, November 4, at 6:00 p.m. Login information and meeting materials are available for review here.

Members of the public must sign up in advance by Monday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m. to verbally ask questions during the meeting. Online participants may ask questions to the project team throughout the meeting using the Q&A messages feature. Comments will be accepted through the comment form here through Friday, November 20. Comments will be shared with the design and construction teams, NVTA and the Loudoun Board of Supervisors.

For those without access to the internet, comments may be provided by phone at 703-737-8624.

Changes Coming to Medicaid:

Strategic Community Engagement Planning

Medicaid is changing and we need your help making sure everyone who is eligible stays eligible. Nearly 25,000 Medicaid Expansion members in Fairfax County are at risk of their coverage being disrupted in 2027 if they do not meet the federal eligibility requirements. We need you at the table to make sure this doesn’t happen.

Join Fairfax County Health and Human Services departments, community partners, leaders, and residents for a strategic planning session to plan effective community-level engagement opportunities and coordinate efforts to leverage our resources to help those at risk to meet the new requirements. Register by Monday, November 2.

Who should attend: Stakeholders who engage Medicaid recipients and who offer services that will help them keep access to healthcare by meeting the new work/community engagement requirements:

• Community organizations and partners who want to help educate the community about the changes.
• Healthcare providers
• Workforce system partners 
• Education providers (GED, adult basic education, public colleges/universities)
• Volunteer coordinators

Registration is required. Due to space constraints, we ask for no more than two people per organization.

"City Life" Art Exhibition

October 31: Congressman Walkinshaw Open Season Healthcare Workshop

Federal employees and retirees, Open Season runs from November 9 to December 14.

It's your annual opportunity to review and change your health, dental, and vision coverage.

To help you choose with confidence, Congressman Walkinshaw is hosting his annual Open Season Workshop.

Federal Employees Health Benefits experts Kevin Moss and Nancy DeLew will walk through your options, and health care vendors will be on hand to answer your questions.

For more details, call (703) 256-3071.

Saturday, October 31

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

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22035

October 31: McLean Baptist Church Trunk or Treat

Come to McLean Baptist Church parking lot at the corner of Chain Bridge Rd and Brawner St in McLean for candy given out from the backs of cars in the lot.

Saturday, October 31

5:30 p.m.

McLean Baptist Church

1367 Chain Bridge Rd

McLean, VA 22101

October 31: Old Firehouse

Festival of Frights & Trunk or Treat

Calling all families of ghouls and goblins! Come join the Old Firehouse, in your best Halloween costumes, for a night of live music, games, food, contests and tons of candy! Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Want to host a trunk? Call the OFC staff at 703-448-8336!

Saturday, October 31

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The Old Firehouse Center

1440 Chain Bridge Rd.

McLean, VA 22101

October 31: Deadline for VFW Post 8241

Patriotic Programs

Visit this webpage for more information.

November 1: Wolf Trap Explorers

Nature Adventure Quest

Register here.

November 1: High Seas and Hardtack

As the milling season draws to a close, come visit Colvin Run Mill to see the mill in motion, learn about sailors' lives during the War of 1812, and enjoy the colors of the season.

Ages 4 through adult discover how sailors were fed during the War of 1812. Explore the mill as they grind grain using the power of the waterwheel. Meet members of Ship's Company, a War of 1812 reenactors' group and hear stories about life at sea. Make ship biscuits, also called hardtack. All participants, including accompanying adults, must register and pay for the program.

Register here.

Sunday, November 1

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

Colvin Run Mill

10017 Colvin Run Rd.

Great Falls, VA 22066

November 5: Build Your Career at the Construction and Trades Job Fair

Join us on Thursday, Nov. 5 from 1-4 p.m. to meet hiring employers, explore career paths, and learn about training programs that help you start or advance in construction and trades. Share your goals with employers and get answers to your career questions. New to the construction industry? Whether you’re looking for entry-level or advanced roles, there’s an info session for you during the event. Tip for success: bring multiple copies of your resume and dress in business casual or business attire. Learn more and register.

Thru November 7: The Bargain Loft's

Semi-Annual Clearance Sale

There are still lots of new items and bargains to be had, and all items are 50% off! Net proceeds from sales at The Bargain Loft benefit Herndon-Reston Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help (FISH), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing emergency assistance to local residents in need.

If you have extra shopping bags, newspaper, and/or bubble wrap, we would be most grateful for your contribution. If you have any questions, email bargainloft@herndonrestonfish.org or call 703-437-0600.

Now thru Saturday, November 7

10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tuesday - Friday

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

336 Victory Dr.

Herndon, VA 20170

November 8: AAUW McLean Area Branch Meeting "The 2026 Midterm Elections"

Stephen Farnsworth, PhD, will examine results of the 2026 midterm elections and their implications for the political landscape in the United States. Drawing on his expertise in American politics, the presidency, political communication, and Virginia politics, he will discuss what the election results reveal about voter priorities, public opinion, and the political environment. The presentation will explore the implications for congressional control, the president’s policy agenda, relations between the White House and Congress, and the direction of national politics leading up to the 2028 presidential election. Dr. Farnsworth will also consider the role of political messaging and the news media in shaping public perceptions of the election and its aftermath.

Dr. Farnsworth is Professor Emeritus of Political Science and International Affairs at the University of Mary Washington and author or co-author of nine books on the presidency, the mass media, public opinion and journalism. He also has received the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Sunday, November 8

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Ave.

McLean, VA 22101

November 11: "How I Became the LEGO Lady During My Mom's 16 Year Journey With Dementia"

Join the Positive Aging Community for a discussion with Loretta Woodward Veney and learn how dozens of LEGO bricks were a significant part of Loretta and her Mom's lives for more than 55 years. When dementia arrived in 2006, LEGO was so much more than just a toy! It was a tool of engagement, joy and love that Loretta not only shared with her Mom, but with thousands of others since becoming a Certified LEGO Serious Play Facilitator in 2014. Discover how LEGO might be a great tool for enhancing your brain health AND for your loved ones and clients with dementia. Register here.

Wednesday, November 11

8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Online

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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