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Dear Neighbor, 

After last weekend, I have to reiterate that Herndon sure knows how to put on a parade! It was fitting that this year’s theme was “Out of this World!” 

Speaking of out of this world, did you know that we have one of the best stargazing spots in Northern Virginia right here in the Dranesville District (and that the Board of Supervisors, with the backing of the Great Falls Citizens Association and others took action last year to make sure it stays that way)? Of course, I’m talking about the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Turner Farm Park Observatory in Great Falls, and if you’re interested in taking in the stars, join us at Saturday night’s Astronomy Festival from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.! There will be guided stargazing sessions, telescope viewing, and lots of hot chocolate! Although pre-registration is closed, walkups are welcome. If this weekend’s event doesn’t work out for you, be sure to check out future astronomy programs at Turner Farm Park Observatory.

If you’re more interested in staying grounded this weekend, why not hit the pavement on Saturday morning with the McLean Citizens Association for a history walk through downtown McLean in honor of the MCA’s 110th Anniversary? The walk begins at the Old Firehouse around 9:00 a.m.  

Speaking of the MCA’s 110th Anniversary, see you at the McLean Community Center for a celebration tonight at 7:00 p.m.! 

As usual, lots of other community events and information are highlighted below. Hope to see you around! 

All the best, 

Jimmy 

James N. Bierman, Jr. 

Dranesville District Supervisor

McLean Governmental Center 

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean, VA 22101

PH: 703-356-0551

Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov

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

McLean Central Park Opening

The Arc of Northern Virginia Illuminating Inclusion Gala

Langley HS vs. McLean HS Football Game

Herndon Homecoming Parade

Coates ES Visit

The American Legion Post 270 Veterans Day Ceremony at McLean HS

McLean Antiques Show at the McLean Community Center

Stoneleigh HOA Meeting

November is National Adoption Month, when we recognize the importance of adoption for youth in foster care in our community. Across the United States more than 64,000 children are legally free for adoption and over 1,100 of those children are in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Youth leaving foster care without being adopted or without permanent connections face ongoing challenges with employment, education, and mental health, as well as have an increased risk of homelessness and human trafficking. Join in celebrating all the families who have opened their homes to children through adoption, including the 15 children adopted from foster care last year in Fairfax County. Learn more.

Misinformation about Shredding Events

Residents have recently reported arriving at Fairfax County facilities for shredding events that were falsely advertised on a suspicious website. These events are not associated with the County, and we urge you to take steps to avoid misinformation and potential scams.

Here are some tips to avoid shredding scams:

On-Site and Off-site Shredding: Verify if shredding will happen onsite and in front of you or at another location. Reputable companies will take the documents in locked boxes then provide a certificate of destruction or allow you to watch your documents being shredded. Stay vigilant and check the County’s website, social media channels or confirm with County facilities to make sure an event is legitimate before attending.

Verify Community Events: Occasionally, a community group may hold an event at a County facility, so contact the group to confirm.

Verify the Shredding Company: If it's a private company, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the Better Business Bureau.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held a virtual community information meeting to discuss the design of the new Lincoln Street connecting Old Meadow Road to Magarity Road and improvements to Magarity Road between Peabody Drive and Violet Ridge Place on November 13, 2024. You can learn more about the project and provide feedback on the preliminary design (feedback is due by December 6, 2024).

November 13 - 19 is Transgender Awareness Week, a time period when transgender people and their allies raise awareness about the experiences of transgender people and advocate for changes to address the prejudice and violence that affects the transgender community. 

Lock Up: Before leaving, double-check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget garage doors, side gates, and any other entry points. 

Set Up Lighting on a Timer: To make it appear as if someone is home, use timers to turn lights on and off at different times. This is an effective way to deter burglars who may target empty houses during the holiday. 

Ask a Neighbor for Help: If possible, have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home. Ask them to collect your mail, packages, or newspapers, so it doesn’t look like you’re away. 

Avoid Social Media Announcements: It’s tempting to share your holiday plans online, but this can inadvertently alert criminals that your home is empty. Share those holiday photos after you return instead. 

Secure Valuables: Keep valuables out of sight, and consider storing important items like jewelry, electronics, and personal documents in a safe or locked drawer. 

Set Your Alarm System: If you have a security system, make sure it’s armed before you leave. Inform your security provider that you’ll be away and ensure they have your contact information in case of an emergency. 

Stay safe and enjoy your Thanksgiving! For more tips on safety, sign up for the McLean District Station Monthly Newsletter.

Did you know Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving Day has more than three times the daily average for such incidents. Please take a moment to review the below cooking and kitchen safety tips so that you can come up with a recipe for Thanksgiving success! 

• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. 
• Keep things that can catch fire such as dish towels, curtains, or paper, at least three feet away from the stove.
• Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove. 
• Turn pot handles inward, facing the wall to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is considering fee adjustments for 2025. Community feedback is encouraged and can be submitted online until 4:30 p.m. on November 29. More than 60% of the funds required to operate Fairfax County’s park system – from camps and classes to facility, amenity and grounds – are generated through park fees. The Park Authority Board will review comments and vote on the changes at their December 11 meeting. Approved adjustments will take effect on January 1, 2025. Visit 2025 Park Fee Adjustments for more details and to submit feedback.

The Commission on Youth, a bipartisan legislative commission of the Virginia General Assembly, is conducting a study on how to improve Virginia’s special education dispute resolution system. The Commission retained the services of Special Education Solutions, LLC (SES), a leading expert in special education compliance, training, and dispute resolution to assist with this study and survey.

The Commission is seeking feedback from parents, agency professionals, attorneys, advocates, teachers and others.

Linked here is the Special Education Dispute Resolution Process Survey. This survey uses Google Forms. Some workplaces may not allow access to Google Forms. If that is the case, the survey respondent may need to access the survey from a home computer, library computer, or cell phone. The Commission encourages groups with members who have vision impairments or need a translation to assist those members in completing the survey. This survey closes on Friday, November 22 at 3:00 p.m.

The State of Virginia is aligning all Medicaid Members with D-SNP Medicare plans to the same health plan starting December 18. For these types of members, whatever Medicare plan they have will “pull” their Medicaid plan to that D-SNP plan. Effective January 1, 2025, one health plan will manage these member’s benefits. For many of these members, this change will be abrupt and potentially disrupt their health services, especially those members receiving home health care.

For Anthem Medicaid members who currently have their Medicare with another company, they can take action now and change Medicare plans, so they get to keep Anthem HealthKeepers Plus Medicaid on January 1 and beyond.

Call 844-252-0627 (TTY: 711) to get on Anthem Medicare D-SNP plan.

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.

As the holiday season approaches, the Fairfax County Police Department invites you to join their 11th Annual Holiday Gift Card Drive, supporting children affected by domestic and sexual violence. 

From now until December 14, they are collecting gift cards for stores like Target, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, Kohl’s, and local eateries. Drop off or mail gift cards to Saly Fayez at 12099 Government Center Parkway Fairfax, VA 22035. For more information, reach out to salyfayez@fairfaxcounty.gov

Your generosity will bring joy to children facing difficult circumstances. Thank you for making a difference this holiday season.  

Show off your holiday spirit in the McLean Community Center's Light Up McLean: Holiday House Decorating Competition. McLean residents can enter to compete for top honors in three categories: Best Overall, Most Creative/Original, and Best Holiday Theme. Register by Friday, December 13. The contest and voting will run from December 23 through January 5. Families who register will receive a thank you gift from the Old Firehouse. Visit Light Up McLean for more information.

Many local families experience the daily challenge of providing meals. Many Fairfax County students face the harsh reality of hunger and rely on the free and reduced-price meal program. This holiday season, you can help make a family’s dream of a joyful holiday meal come true by providing support to those in need. For more information on how to donate, visit Food For Neighbors - Holiday Meals Program.

Winter weather is coming - make sure your vehicle is ready for the season by checking your brakes, tires, antifreeze, de-icing washer fluid, lights, and oil. Before the first snowfall, prep an emergency winter driving kit with essentials like jumper cables, an ice scraper, blanket, phone charger, and first aid kit. Stay safe on the roads this winter! 

Influenza, known as the flu, is a highly contagious infection of the breathing system (nose, throat and lungs) caused by flu viruses.

Some people are at higher risk of serious flu complications, such as people 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions.  

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu EVERY year, especially people who are at high risk. For vaccine locations and information about appointments, visit Influenza (Flu).

The McLean District Police Station invites you to their community engagement program, with presentations from the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy and the 9-1-1 Dispatch Center. 

These community engagement programs are a great opportunity to discuss your issues and concerns with the Commanders of the McLean District Station. The Commanders will also share some current crime trends and statistics affecting the McLean district.

Thursday, November 14

7:00 p.m.

Jim Scott Community Center

3001 Vaden Drive

Fairfax, VA 22031

Come celebrate the McLean Citizens Association's (MCA) 110th Anniversary with their members, friends, and neighbors. There will be a short ceremony to recognize their Legacy Partners and others who have joined the MCA over the past century to ensure continued success as the longest continuously serving civic organization in the County. This party will serve light refreshments. Register here.

Thursday, November 14

7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

Community Hall

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean, VA 22101

As part of Fairfax County Animal Shelter's Pet Resource Center, Fairfax County residents have the opportunity to have their pet vaccinated and microchipped without the cost of a veterinary exam. All clinics are first come, first served and are cash only. To view other upcoming clinic dates, visit Vaccine and Microchip Clinic.

Services

• Rabies Vaccination $20 
• DHPPi (dogs only) $20 
• FVRCP (cats only) $20 
• Microchip $20 
• Dog License $10 

Friday, November 15

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

Lorton Campus

8875 Lorton Road

Lorton, VA 22079

The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) would like to hear from Fairfax County residents with disabilities about their voting experience in 2024.

A virtual community forum will be held to focus on accessible voting topics to include but not limited to voting options, ballot marking devices, and curbside voting. The FA-DSB would like to identify any gaps in service, challenges, and/or concerns as it relates to accessible voting. The information collected at the community forum will be shared with the Board of Supervisors in hopes that it will inform County officials on how to improve the accessible voting process for persons with disabilities in the future. The Fairfax County Office of Elections will be present during the community forum in a listening-only capacity.

Friday, November 15

11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Visit this webpage for more information on how to register and attend the community forum.

Join Fonts Books & Gifts for their first-ever Open Mic Night. This exciting evening will showcase live music performances from talented students from Bach to Rock, McLean. Community members are also invited to take the stage—whether you're a seasoned performer or simply looking to share your passion for music, poetry, or spoken word.

Friday, November 15

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

Fonts Books & Gifts

6262b Old Dominion Drive

McLean, VA 22101

Come join the McLean Citizens Association (MCA), the McLean Historical Society, and the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce in celebrating MCA's 110th Anniversary with a History Walk through McLean's downtown. The tour will take about an hour, will begin and end at the Old Firehouse Center, and will highlight the MCA's participation in early and present McLean. Register here.

Saturday, November 16

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

McLean Old Firehouse Center

1440 Chain Bridge Road

McLean, VA 22101

Nov. 16: Fairfax Recycles Day Drop-Off

In celebration of Fairfax Recycles Day on November 15, the County’s Solid Waste Management program is hosting a Drop-Off and Touch-a-Truck event on November 16.

Recyclables you can drop off on Fairfax Recycles Day include: e-waste, glass, food scraps, batteries, textiles, and plastic bags. Only small e-waste items can be accepted at this event (smaller than 24” x 24”, such as laptops, computers, cell phones, toner and ink cartridges, mice, keyboards, power supplies, and audio equipment).

Recycling is an integral part of the County’s ambitious Zero Waste Plan, which aims to divert 90% of waste from disposal and reduce the overall waste generated by 25% by 2040.

For updates on this event, visit Fairfax Recycles Day

Saturday, November 16

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

South Government Center

8350 Richmond Highway

Alexandria, VA 22309

Meet in the parking lot of Temple Rodef Shalom to learn about the woods and save trees from invasive vines. This is a family friendly event. No experience or supplies needed, unless you want to bring your own garden gloves and clippers. Sign up here.

Sunday, November 17

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

2100 Westmoreland Street

Falls Church, VA 22043

Fairfax County is making it easier for residents living in homeowner associations and condominiums to access electric vehicle (EV) charging stations through its innovative Charge Up Fairfax program. The Charge Up Fairfax program specifically targets residents who don’t have easy access to at-home charging because they lack private garages or driveways. 

The application period for the Charge Up Fairfax program has been extended, and will now close at 12:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 17. Apply here.

Bring the kids for a reading with a cop event at Barnes & Noble! Join for a fun and engaging reading session with a Reston District police officer, a wonderful way for kids to enjoy stories while connecting with a community role model.

Monday, November 18

11:00 a.m.

Barnes & Noble

11816 Spectrum Drive

Reston, VA 20190

Calling Fairfax business leaders! Join the Benefits of Committing to Sustainability: The Experience of Climate First Bank webinar hosted by the Green Business Partners.

Guest speaker Chris Cucci, Climate First Bank’s executive vice president and chief of staff, will talk about their path in standing up a sustainability-driven and climate-branded company and how some of the business benefits accrue to their customers as well. Sign up to attend.

Tuesday, November 19

12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m.

“Will Women Ever Control Their Own Bodies?” is the topic of the November McLean Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) program. The featured speaker is Judy Waxman, one of the nation’s leading healthcare law and policy analysts and activists. Ms. Waxman formerly served as Vice President for Health and Reproductive Rights at the National Women’s Law Center and has served in prominent positions for numerous other federal and non-profit healthcare-related organizations. 

Tuesday, November 19th

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

Mclean, VA 22101

GIS Day provides an opportunity to recognize effective and creative use of spatial tools by Fairfax County staff to better serve agencies and constituents. Representatives from County agencies will be onsite at the Government Center on GIS Day 2024 to demonstrate and discuss the spatial tools and products that help them in their work, improve business processes, and engage and inform the public. Learn more about GIS Day.

Wednesday, November 20

12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Government Center North Atrium

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22030

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, November 20

7:00 p.m.

North County Government Center

Lobby Conference Room

1801 Cameron Glen Drive

Reston, VA 20190

Nov. 20: Ned Johnson and Calm Amid the Chaos

The Safe Community Coalition welcomes back Ned Johnson, best-selling co-author of The Self-Driven Child, for a talk on Calm Amid the Chaos: Being the Parent Teens Need in a Competitive, Distracted, Divisive World. Johnson will share insights on teen mental health, the impact of technology, and strategies to build resilience and connection in a rapidly changing world. Tickets: $15 for adults, $10 for students (pre-sale), $20 at the door. Proceeds support SCC programs. Book signing to follow! Register here.

Wednesday, November 20

7:00 p.m.

Alden Theatre

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Drive

McLean, VA 22101

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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