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Dear Neighbor, 

What a year it has been! I was sworn in just about a year ago and it has been a whirlwind ever since. The best part of being your Supervisor is meeting so many passionate, well-informed members of the community – I value your input as I work to improve (the already great) experience of living in Fairfax County. More than anything this year, I tried to make sure that I always showed up! I have used what I have heard from you to inform the work that I have done to best serve Dranesville. I will keep using your feedback, working hard, and trying to come up with creative solutions to the roadblocks we inevitably encounter. It has been a learning experience, for sure, and I am ready to face 2025 and all that comes with it! In the meantime, I am proud to share some highlights from my first year as Supervisor. 

Connecting with the Community: 

• Attended more than 200 community events (we were busy!);
• Hosted the First Annual Dranesville Celebrates Trees in McLean – one of the top issues I have heard from residents is an interest in protecting and preserving trees; this event included nearly two dozen organizations to provide information to advance this interest; 
• Co-hosted Salsa in the Park – a fun event celebrating nature and conservation with the Herndon community; 
• Co-sponsored the first Herndon Pride Festival; 
• Co-sponsored the Herndon Children’s Book Festival; 
• Co-sponsored Movie Night at Franklin Sherman Elementary with the McLean Revitalization Corporation; 
• Co-sponsored the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series at Arrowbrook Park; 
• Joined parades in McLean, Great Falls, Herndon; 
• Published 49 newsletters reaching over 4,000 subscribers, providing information about everything from community event opportunities to essential County services to small business promotions to crime prevention tips to general thoughts on policies and practices, and so much more; 
• Shared 1,334 social media posts; 
• Responded to hundreds of constituent inquiries. 

Advancing Community Interests: 

• Was a leading voice in opposition to a casino in Tysons; 
• Sponsored or co-sponsored 44 Board Matters that focus Board or staff attention on matters of community interest, such as the 495 NEXT project, neighborhood traffic, pedestrian safety, Pride Month, and celebrations of community organizations; 
• Worked with the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services and the Community Services Board to expand offerings at the Herndon Neighborhood Resource Center; 
• Worked with the Town of Herndon on issues surrounding housing affordability and accessibility. 

Approving Positive Development 

• The Board approved one residential project in downtown McLean and two in the transit area around the Innovation Station Metro in Herndon; 
• All projects meet or exceed Comprehensive Plan guidance for roads, pedestrian/bike facilities, public facility contributions and open space; 
• All projects have affordable housing set asides; 
• All projects include new pedestrian and bicycle facilities; 
• All projects include accessible parks and native plantings; 
• All projects address stormwater needs; 
• All projects include extra EV chargers, setting the bar well above what any multi-family development had ever secured. 

Supporting Downtown McLean Placemaking 

• Advanced efforts to make McLean a place people want to go to, not just through; 
• Participated in McLean Revitalization Corporation’s Winterfest and co-sponsored Movie Night at Franklin Sherman; 
• Coordinated with MRC and the County on banner program to highlight seasonal events; 
• Supported mural painting initiative; 
• Provided ongoing oversight on McLean CBC Pilot Study to make downtown more pedestrian and bicycle friendly; 
• Secured $500,000 from the Board’s Economic Opportunity Reserve fund to support McLean Project for the Arts new Arts and Education Center, a facility that will include exhibition space, workshops, ceramic studio and cafe with event space. 

Promoting Transportation Improvements: 

• Chaired Board of Supervisors Transportation Committee; 
• Advocated for inclusion of increased state support and flexibility for pedestrian infrastructure in the Board’s Legislative Program; 
• Voted to allocate an additional $25 million for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects; 
• Championed residential cut-through permit program with action expected in early 2025; 
• Convened high-level County staff working group to advance more efficient use of transportation proffers; 
• Assisted 34 communities with neighborhood traffic mitigation options through the Residential Traffic Administration Program; 
• Worked with VDOT to add a crosswalk near Langley HS; 
• Coordinated with VDOT to add a future crosswalk on Linway Terrace; 
• Negotiated a creative solution to sidewalk placement in Great Falls commercial development. 

Ensuring Responsible Budgeting 

• Voted to approve a balanced budget with key targeted investments in, among other things, affordable housing, assisting Medicaid waiver recipients, teacher pay increases, collective bargaining agreements with Police and Fire, and expanded diversion first programs. 

Representing Fairfax County: 

• Served on more than a dozen regional boards and committees including, among others, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, Northern Virginia Regional Commission, and the INOVA Healthcare Quality and Reliability Committee representing Fairfax County interests and positions; 
• Attended graduations for our Criminal Justice, Fire and Rescue, and 9-1-1 Call Taker Academies. 

Thank you for the opportunity to serve! The Dranesville Dispatch will be on hiatus until January 2 and the office will be closed December 24, December 25 and January 1, in accordance with County holidays. Wishing you all happy holidays and a wonderful new year! 

See you in 2025,  

Jimmy 

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:

Session 87 Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy Recruits

Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce Stars Over Dulles

Northern Virginia Transportation Commission Legislative Forum

McLean HS Holiday Bazaar

McLean Community Center Arts & Crafts

Herndon WinterMarkt

VFW McLean Post 8241 Army Navy Day

Santa and Arts & Crafts at Colvin Run Mill

Dranesville Holiday Open House

Longfellow MS Visit

Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation Champions Celebration

After eleven years of dedicated service, Commissioner John Ulfelder has concluded his time as the Dranesville District appointee to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission serves an important role of providing the Board of Supervisors with recommendations on land use policies and plans to advance the County’s goal of orderly, balanced and equitable growth. Planning Commissioners devote significant time and substantial expertise.  

Commissioner Ulfelder was appointed to the role of Dranesville District Planning Commissioner in December 2013. During his time on the Planning Commission, Commissioner Ulfelder became a Certified Planning Commissioner, served as Vice Chairman for three years and Parliamentarian for two years. He also chaired the Land Use Process Committee (2020-Present) and Parks Committee (2017-2019). Commissioner Ulfelder provided his time and expertise towards crafting a new and modernized Zoning Ordinance, updating the Comprehensive Plan for downtown McLean, reimaging the area around the West Falls Church Transit Station Area, and developing guidelines for the development around the Innovation Metro Station in Herndon. 

Supervisor Bierman is immensely grateful for Commissioner Ulfelder’s contributions to our community. 

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.

Many County facilities and offices will have altered hours or closures throughout the next couple of weeks. The Dranesville District Office will be closed on December 24 and 25, as well as January 1, for the holidays. See the links below to find operational hours for parks, schools, and government offices. 

• For parks operational hours, visit Holiday Hours and Class Schedules | Park Authority 
• For the Fairfax County Public School’s Standard School Year Calendar, visit FCPS 2024-2025 Standard School Year Calendar 
• To check the Fairfax County Government operational status and to view the County holiday schedule, visit County Operating Status | Fairfax County

When it comes to toys and gifts, it is critical to remember to consider the safety and age range of the toys. Prevent Blindness America has declared December as Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month. This holiday season (and beyond), please consider the following guidelines for choosing safe toys for all ages:

• Inspect all toys before purchasing. Avoid those that shoot or include parts that fly off. The toy should have no sharp edges or points and should be sturdy enough to withstand impact without breaking, being crushed, or being pulled apart easily.
• When purchasing toys for children with special needs try to: Choose toys that may appeal to different senses such as sound, movement, and texture; consider interactive toys to allow the child to play with others; and think about the size of the toy and the position a child would need to be in to play with it.
• Be diligent about inspecting toys your child has received. Check them for age, skill level, and developmental appropriateness before allowing them to be played with.
• Look for labels that assure you the toys have passed a safety inspection – “ATSM” means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
• Gifts of sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear (give a helmet with the skateboard)
• Keep kids safe from lead in toys by: Educating yourself about lead exposure from toys, symptoms of lead poisoning, and what kinds of toys have been recalled; being aware that old toys may be more likely to contain lead in the paint; having your children wash their hands frequently and calling your doctor if you suspect your child has been exposed to lead.
• Do NOT give toys with small parts (including magnets and “button” batteries which can cause serious injury or death if ingested) to young children as they tend to put things in their mouths, increasing the risk of choking. If the piece can fit inside a toilet paper roll, it is not appropriate for kids under age three.
• Do NOT give toys with ropes and cords or heating elements.
• Do NOT give crayons and markers unless they are labeled “nontoxic”.

For more information, please visit Safe Toys and Gifts Month.

As we prepare to spend time with family and friends over the holiday season, it is important to stay vigilant. While Fairfax County continues to be the safest jurisdiction of its size, some criminal activity tends to increase over the holidays, like home burglaries. On Tuesday evening, the Fairfax County Police Department hosted a Q&A session with Chief Davis, FCPD leadership, and the McLean District Station Commander with one of the neighborhoods that has been hit especially hard recently. FCPD leadership shared an update on recent successful arrests of two crews, updates on the investigation into two active crews, and additional prevention strategies being implemented.  

These crews have avoided homes where someone is in the house, so it is important to use these strategies while you visit family and friends this holiday season.  

Burglary Prevention Tips​ 

• Stay alert and report suspicious vehicles or individuals in your community to the police immediately. ​ 
• Install a security alarm system that includes second-floor motion detectors and glass-break sensors​ 
• Use an audible security system that produces a LOUD NOISE to deter intruders.​ 
• Ensure your security cameras are operational and have backup batteries in case of a power outage.​ 
• Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home. ​ 
• Secure ladders and other equipment in your backyard to prevent burglars from accessing upper levels.​ 
• Notify trusted neighbors when you are traveling or out of town. ​ 
• Install surveillance cameras at both the front and rear of your property.​ 
• Activate interior lights, particularly on the second floor, to create the illusion of activity when you are away. ​ 

Although it is tempting, do not advertise your absence on social media. Wait until you come back from vacation to post about your trip, even among trusted friends. 

The police also have a Free Home/Business Security Assessment where they will walk your property together and provide feedback for improvements. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit for the district station which serves your area: 

• McLean District Station  
• Daniel Goldman daniel.goldman@fairfaxcounty.gov. 
• Reston District Station  
• Misoon Mousa Misoon.Mousa@fairfaxcounty.gov 
• Fair Oaks District Station  
• Reuel Roopnarine Reuel.Roopnarine@fairfaxcounty.gov

Not sure which district station covers your area? Click here to use the interactive map 

Please stay safe this holiday season and check the Fairfax County Police Department’s news blog, and social media for updates and more safety tips. 

It's always a wonderful time to recycle, especially during the holidays when there are usually more items to consider!

Items such as paper holiday cards, gift bags/boxes and electronics are more abundant. There may be more food scraps following large holiday dinners, as well as single-use items like red cups (not recyclable), paper plates and plastic utensils. 

View ideas to reduce gift and food waste, learn what should NOT be recycled and more by visiting The Most Wonderful Time to Recycle.

The Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA) Yard Watch invasive plant highlight for December is bamboo. There is a limitless number of products that can be made from the bamboo plant; from furniture and flooring, to toothbrush and toilet paper, to clothing and bedding. It is a formidable plant that can absorb up to four times more carbon dioxide than trees. 

Bamboo was introduced to the US in the 1880s for ornament and barriers between yards. It is the fastest growing plant on Earth spreading at almost three feet per day. That is one of the reasons why bamboo is highly invasive. It also hinders the growth of native vegetation, threatens biodiversity, and is difficult to remove. 

Fairfax County has an ordinance that requires property owners to contain running bamboo on their property. The ordinance went into effect in January 2023, and it calls for property owners to prevent running bamboo from spreading to neighboring properties or public right-of-way. Property owners who violate the ordinance may face a fine of up to $2,000 over a 12-month period, with the first violation a $50 fine, and subsequent violation a $200 fine. 

Visit How to Get Rid of Bamboo for methods to remove bamboo from your yard.

Shop local this holiday season! From custom furniture to baked goods and jewelry, support talented artisans and small businesses. Discover unique, gift-worthy products made right here in Fairfax County through the Made in Fairfax 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) recently released its fiscal year 2024 annual report. Among the highlights:

• $50 million was made available for affordable housing and development projects. 
• More than $130 million in tax exempt bonds were issued by the FCRHA.
• 470 new affordable homes opened, with more under construction or in development.
• More than 5,400 people were served through federal affordable housing vouchers.
• 92 households were supported in becoming new homeowners.

The report includes affordable housing customer stories, data about affordable housing accomplishments in development, rental assistance, and around the community and the financial report and FCRHA Strategic Outcomes report.

Please be advised that there will be NO trash and recycling collection on Wednesday, December 25, 2024 (Christmas Day). If you use a private collector, please contact your hauler.

The trash/recycling collection schedule has been adjusted for these service days.

Regular Collection Day

• Wednesday, December 25
• Thursday, December 26
• Friday, December 27

Rescheduled Collection Day

• Thursday, December 26
• Friday, December 27
• Saturday, December 28

The Recycling and Disposal Centers at the I-66 Transfer Station and the I-95 Landfill Complex will be closing at 1:00 p.m. on December 24 and closed all day on December 25.

On December 31, they will be closing at 2:00 p.m. and remain closed all day on January 1.

If you have any questions, please contact 703-802-3322 or email DPWESSWMPTrashCS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The IACN Toolkit contains strategies and examples for engaging immigrant and refugee students and families and how to broach future ready topics with them. Please note that sections in this toolkit also build off of each other. Please use, customize, adapt, and translate as needed.

Natural Christmas trees will be collected from January 6 to 17, 2025 for recycling. Lights, decorations, and stands must be removed to ensure collection. After January 17, please schedule a Brush Special Pickup to have the natural Christmas tree removed or drop your tree at the I-66 Transfer Station or the I-95 Landfill Complex. There is a fee to recycle your tree at the disposal centers.

For questions, please contact 703-802-3322 or email DPWESSWMPTrashCS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

The Effective & Efficient Government dashboard is the fourth dashboard now published to support the implementation of the Fairfax Countywide Strategic Plan. There will be a dashboard for each of the ten Community Outcome Areas. 

The Effective & Efficient Government dashboard presents information under four topic areas referred to as indicators:

• Inclusive Community Engagement
• Effective and Representative County and School Workforce
• Effective Technology and Quality Facilities
• Financial Sustainability and Trustworthiness

Stay safe this winter by staying warm. Crisis Assistance helps those who are in a “no heat” situation in their home, such as broken equipment or receiving a disconnection notice. You could receive assistance such as payment of a security deposit, purchase of heating fuel, repair or replacement of broken heating equipment, or supplemental heating equipment. Crisis Assistance applications are accepted until March 17, 2025. To apply for Crisis Assistance, or other food and medical benefits, visit CommonHelp or call 855-635-4370.

The Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP)’s 2024 Holiday SoberRide® code will be valid until 4:00 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Limited quantities available. Download the Lyft app and enter the code in the app’s ‘Payment’ tab under the ‘Add Lyft Pass’ option for up to $15 off one ride home in the Washington D.C. coverage area. Visit SoberRide – WRAP for more information, including the discount code.

McLean Community Center is helping the American Red Cross with Diverse Blood Donations! It is urgent for donors of all ethnicities to support patients in need. Support the community with your lifesaving blood donation. Visit American Red Cross Blood Drive – McLean Center for more information on how to schedule an appointment.

Friday, December 20

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean, VA

Join the Herndon Fortnightly Library and stop by the Maker Lab to create Christmas Crafts. Use their Cricut machine to create a card for someone special!

Friday, December 20

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

Herndon Fortnightly Maker Lab

768 Center Street

Herndon, VA

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is working to combine the Fairfax County Bicycle Master Plan and the Countywide Trails Plan, and is seeking comments to ensure a safe, comfortable and convenient network of active transportation options and trails. Share your feedback by Friday, December 20 and learn more: ActiveFairfax Transportation Plan.

The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is issuing this year's Fairfax Area High School Student Shark Tank Technology Challenge to high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City and the City of Falls Church to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact in lives of older adults and adults with disabilities.

Finalists will be selected to present their product to a “Shark Tank” panel. Panelists will consist of experts from the fields of education, technology, aging and health care. The winning projects will receive a cash prize, and the projects may be considered for potential development. Finalists in each category will be given an opportunity to demonstrate their products in the spring of 2025. The deadline to submit the initial proposal is Friday, December 20. 

For more information, please visit Shark Tank Tech Challenge | NCS.

Join the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library to celebrate the Icelandic tradition of giving, receiving, and reading books together on Christmas Eve. They will read stories, have some Christmas cocoa and treats, make a craft, and explore "Jolabokaflod".

Saturday, December 21

5:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m.

Tysons Pimmit Meeting Rooms 1 & 2

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA

Bring the kids to a special storytime event. Children will enjoy listening to engaging stories read by Reston District Police officers. This event is free and open to all families. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to meet community officers and inspire a love of reading!  

Friday, December 27

10:30 a.m.

Reston Library

11925 Bowman Towne Drive

Reston, VA

The Washington, D.C., metropolitan area is rich with cultural activity. Local artists live, work, and travel throughout D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and beyond to share their talent. To better identify and understand the artist network here in Northern Virginia, ArtsFairfax created the Fairfax Regional Artist Survey.  

The Fairfax Regional Artist Survey was created with artists, for artists, to identify the opportunities and resources local artists need to thrive. We want Fairfax and its surrounding areas to become a place where artists want to live and where artists can share their work. Count yourself as a Fairfax Artist and help ArtsFairfax understand the network of individual artists in the region. The survey deadline is Tuesday, December 31.

Jan. 4: MCC 50th Anniversary Kick-Off

Join the McLean Community Center (MCC) at their 50th Anniversary Celebration for a history talk with McLean historian Carole Herrick, a premiere of the MCC's 50th Anniversary Video, and a celebratory reception! This event is hosted by Friends of McLean Community Center with support from McLean Project for the Arts. The art galleries of the McLean Project for the Arts will open for guests at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, January 4

7:00 p.m.

The Alden Theatre at McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean, VA

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

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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