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Dear Neighbor,

It’s been a busy and engaging week here at the Board of Supervisors as we’ve been hearing from residents during our FY 2027 budget public hearings. We began on Tuesday, continued yesterday, and are completing our last public hearing at the moment. These hearings are an important way for you to help shape the budget and I so appreciate the time residents take to share their feedback. It makes a difference! As always, it’s a balancing act – people tend to sign up in clumps of interested parties, but I sometimes wish we could simply alternate between those asking us to spend more on X and those asking us to spend less on Y and everything in between! There’s still time to share your input, and when you do, in addition to looking at the Advertised Budget Plan, you may also want to check out the Board’s Budget Questions document where questions from Supervisors are answered on a rolling basis (so far, twenty of the questions I submitted have been answered, still waiting to hear back on others).  

You can submit written testimony for tonight’s public hearing here, or offer feedback through the online survey, or by emailing FY27Budget@publicinput.com. The record will remain open for written comment until the budget mark-up on April 28, with the final adoption of the budget on May 5. 

On Tuesday, we also spent some time discussing – and celebrating! – Governor Spanberger’s veto of the Fairfax County casino bill. In both my statement last week and my remarks during Tuesday’s meeting, I thanked the Governor for her decision and reiterated why this bill has consistently raised serious concerns for our community. You can watch my full remarks from Tuesday here. I’ve said it many times before, but perhaps one last “dad joke” for now: A casino in Tysons? Don’t bet on it! (I’m all-in on that joke and just never going to fold).

Our Tuesday Board Meeting also featured more celebrations for our Winter Sports Champions. Special kudos to the Langley High School Boys Swim and Dive team for winning the VHSL Class 6 Championship. Their dedication and teamwork are something the whole County can be proud of, and it was great to highlight their achievement! (It was also fun to celebrate Langley High’s 60th Birthday at a ceremony this past Saturday – a big week for the Saxons!)

I hope you’re able to enjoy the warm weather coming our way this weekend and maybe use it as a chance to participate in the Walk & Win Challenge. The Dranesville District is still in last place, so let’s fix that! 

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.

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Jimmy in the Community

Cornerstones of our Community Event with Kerrie Wilson

McLean Community Center Earth Day

Langley HS 60th Anniversary Celebration

Opening Day at McLean Little League

Walk & Win Challenge

McLean Restaurant Week at Chiang Mai with the McLean Revitalization Corporation

The McLean Governmental Center (1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean), Herndon Fortnightly Library, Tysons-Pimmit Library, and Great Falls Library are now open for early voting for the April 21 Proposed Constitutional Amendment Special Election. This is a statewide special election to consider whether to amend the Constitution of Virginia as proposed by the question designated in House Bill 1384.

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 and for the full list of early voting sites, please visit this webpage. 

• Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment 
• Sample ballot for April 21, 2026 Special Election 

Scott’s Run Nature Preserve is closed for an urgent sewer project to renew and rehabilitate the Scott's Run Siphon wastewater facility. Contractors for the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services will complete this work, which is expected to take approximately three months to complete, depending on weather conditions. 

To ensure public safety and protect natural resources, Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, including the east and west parking areas and all trails, will be closed through July 4. Residents are encouraged to use the Park Authority’s Park Amenity Locator and Trail Buddy to identify alternate parks and trails during this closure.

For more information, please visit this webpage. 

Fairfax County is observing Child Abuse Prevention Month this April, with the theme, “Building Stronger Families: Solid Foundations for Family Well-being.” This theme highlights how family protective factors create a strong foundation to stabilize and support the safety and well-being of children. It also reminds us that everyone needs extra support at different times in their lives. Visit April is Child Abuse Prevention Month for more information.

Volunteer Month

April is Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the individuals who give their time and energy to make a difference in our community. Visit the Volunteer Portal for upcoming volunteer opportunities in the County.

Recognized yearly by the American Library Association from April 19-25, National Library Week is a celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries and library professionals play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. Learn more about National Library Week here.

Consider attending a Dranesville District Library program during Library Week:

• April 20: Comic Bookaneers Book Club at Dolley Madison Library
• April 20: National Library Week Documentary Screening at Herndon Fortnightly Library
• April 24: Friends of Great Falls Library Spring Book Sale
• April 25: Nature Talk and Walk at Tysons-Pimmit Library

Visit this webpage to view the full Library events calendar.

All Fairfax County middle and high school students can get a Student Bus Pass SmarTrip card to ride the Fairfax Connector and Fairfax CUE buses for free! With the pass, fares are free from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, all year. 

Children 12 and younger ride for free on Fairfax Connector with a paying adult.

Learn more about the Student Pass.

Spring brings blooming flowers, buzzing bees, and pollen in the air. Weather conditions such as temperature, humidity, wind, and rain can affect when allergy season starts and ends, and how severe symptoms can be. A longer and more intense pollen season is in the forecast this year, which can worsen allergies, asthma attacks, and air quality. 

As we move further into spring and beyond, it's important to find ways help reduce the effects of pollen and season allergies for you and your family. Visit this webpage for more information.

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is offering the 2026 Girls Fire and Rescue Academy summer camp from Tuesday, June 23 through Friday, June 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The academy is open to rising 9th through 12th grade female students for the upcoming 2026 - 2027 school year. Participants should be a Fairfax County resident.

The program is completely free of charge. The camp is limited to 24 applicants. Spots are first come, first served. Apply by May 15: Girls Fire and Rescue Academy.

Beginning April 20, the on-ramp to Route 7 from Falls Church Dr next to the West Falls Church parking garage will close from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. across six days to allow for construction. Instead of taking that ramp to the right, customers will need to follow road signage and detour left to access Leesburg Pike (Route 7) via Falls Church Dr and Haycock Rd. For more information, visit West Falls Church - On-Ramp for Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) closure | WMATA.

Tomorrow: Spring 2026 Business Pulse Survey Deadline

The Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives has just launched their Spring 2026 Business Survey for local business owners and entrepreneurs to share their insights.

Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a large corporation, your feedback on the current economic climate helps shape the County’s support programs and future strategies. It’s quick and completely confidential (all data is grouped together for reporting).

Click here to share your perspective before the survey closes on April 17.

The Fairfax County Tree Commission will be conducting a free tree seedling giveaway this spring to help our community restore and protect our environment and natural resources. 

Join your neighbors Saturday, April 18 at the opening of the Burke Farmer’s Market and pick up a free tree. The bare-root seedlings are small and easy to plant and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. A variety of trees will be available choose from - Black Gum, Red Oak, Willow Oak, Sweetbay Magnolia, and Eastern Redbud. The Tree Commission will have experts on hand to provide planting guidance and answer questions. For more information about the Tree Commission, please visit Tree Commission.

Saturday, April 18

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (or until supplies run out)

Burke Farmer's Market

5671 Roberts Parkway

Burke

April 18: Fairfax County History Commission Conference

Join historians, scholars, educators and community members for a day of exploration, discovery and reflection on the future. As Fairfax marks #Fairfax250, this conference explores how the County shaped—and was shaped by—the American Revolution. From famous figures to everyday people, uncover the ideas, struggles and lasting impacts that helped change the course of history. For additional information and to register, please visit this webpage.

Saturday, April 18

8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax

Need stuff? Attend this parking lot sale with 50+ vendors selling gently used household-related items. At the event you can meet the MCC Governing Board candidates! Admission is free.

Saturday, April 18

9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Herndon residents are invited to attend Shredathon, a free paper shredding event. Bring your old bills, tax returns, and more. Please refrain from bringing cardboard, large binders, or large metal clips.

Saturday, April 18

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

ArtSpace Parking Lot

750 Center Street

Herndon

Fairfax Vegfest is a full‑day event featuring vegan food vendors, local makers, wellness brands, and environmentally focused businesses. The festival is designed to be inclusive for individuals who are vegan, interested in plant‑based options, or simply exploring healthier and more sustainable products. It includes family‑friendly activities, opportunities to speak with chefs and small business owners, and educational components related to plant‑based living and sustainability.

Sunday, April 19

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

Northwest Federal Credit Union

200 Spring Street

Herndon

April 24: MCA Teen Character Awards Nominations Deadline

The McLean Citizens Association is again sponsoring Teen Character Awards to recognize teens with exceptional ethical and compassionate character. Teens who have, on their own and without compensation or formal recognition, cared for elderly relatives or younger siblings, or who have helped out in the neighborhood or anywhere in the greater DC area, deserve to be recognized not only for themselves but as examples to others.

The award consists of a certificate, which will be presented on the outdoor stage at McLean Day at 2:45 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Names of award winners will be provided to the local newspapers to highlight recognition of the teens' achievements.

Nominations must be submitted via email to e-y_committee@mcleancitizens.org no later than Friday, April 24. Access the nomination application form by visiting this webpage. 

Help keep Herndon beautiful this spring by joining our annual Park & Stream Cleanup. Volunteers will work throughout the morning to care for one of Herndon’s eleven parks or three trails.

Meet at Runnymede Park to receive supplies and assignments before heading out to your designated area. Please dress for outdoor work. For more information, visit Parks and Stream Cleanup.

Saturday, April 25

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

Runnymede Park

196 Herndon Parkway

Herndon

Celebrate Earth Day with Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, his team, and the McLean Trees Foundation by weeding and mulching recently planted trees and planting native tree saplings in Lewinsville Park. Attendees (ages 12+) must register to volunteer at this event.

Saturday, April 25

10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Lewinsville Park

1659 Chain Bridge Road

McLean

April 25: Prescription Drug Take Back Day

Take advantage of free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25. Can’t make it that day? Safely dispose of medicines any other day, year-round at select locations.

Visit this webpage to locate additional nearby collection sites.

Saturday, April 25

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

Reston Hospital Center Pavilion II Circle

1850 Town Center Parkway

Reston

or

Tysons Emergency Main Entrance

8240 Leesburg Pike

Vienna

April 25: Earth Day Fairfax

The Great Falls Optimist Club is hosting its 28th Children’s Spring Festival on April 26. Stop by for an afternoon of activities, including inflatables for kids, a variety of food vendors, and local merchant booths. 

Sunday, April 26

12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

10001 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

Attend a virtual public information meeting to discuss a project that will widen Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) between Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road) and I-495 (Capital Beltway) to provide multimodal improvements, including room for future bus rapid transit (BRT). 

The project also includes:

• Replacing the service roads in select locations with shared-use paths.
• Adding turn lanes on Route 7 from Route 123 to International Drive/Gallows Road.
• Replacing/upgrading traffic signals along the corridor as needed.
• Improving vehicle safety and reducing congestion with access management.
• Installing high-visibility crosswalks, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramps, and Accessible Pedestrian Signals at numerous intersections and ramps throughout the corridor.

Route 7 averages 76,000 vehicles a day within the project limits. This project aims to improve safety, operations, and bicyclist/pedestrian mobility, as well as facilitate future BRT construction in the corridor. For more information and to register for the meeting, please visit this webpage.

Today’s fraud landscape blends technology with emotional manipulation, making scams harder to spot and easier for criminals to scale. The Fairfax Scam Jam unpacks two of the fastest‑growing threats: romance‑based investment schemes and cryptocurrency fraud.

Attendees will learn how these schemes operate step‑by‑step, the psychological tactics scammers use, and the financial and emotional devastation they leave behind. Presenters will share actionable tools for recognizing early warning signs, having preventative conversations with loved ones, reporting fraud, and recovering when possible. 

Visit this webpage for more details and to register.

Thursday, April 30

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is considering a proposal to create a Community Parking District in Dranesville District, which calls for parking restrictions within the following boundary area:

• South of Route 7, running along the Fairfax County boundary with Loudoun County to the west;
• Along the Dranesville District Boundary with Hunter Mill District to the east; and
• The Dranesville District boundary with Sully District to the south
• The district appears in two segments on the map around the Town of Herndon; boundaries are highlighted in red on the map:

Community Parking Districts are established under Section 82-5B of Fairfax County Code, and prohibit parking of the following vehicles on public streets in residential areas:  

• Watercraft, boat trailer, motor home, camping trailer, or any other trailer or semi-trailer, regardless of whether such trailer or semi-trailer is attached to another vehicle;
• Any vehicle with three or more axles;
• Any vehicle that has a gross vehicle weight rating of 12,000 or more pounds except school buses used on a current and regular basis to transport students;
• Any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver, except school buses used on a current and regular basis to transport students; and
• Any vehicle of any size that is being used in the transportation of hazardous materials as defined in Virginia Code § 46.2-341.4.

Community Parking District restrictions prohibit parking of these vehicles at all times; however, restricted vehicles may park while performing work at a residence within the district, or for a maximum of 48 hours while loading, unloading or preparing for a trip. 

A public meeting was held on April 7. A recording of this meeting may be accessed at this webpage.

Feedback will be accepted through April 30 via survey or recorded voicemail at 703-890-5898, Project Code 2283. For additional information about the proposal, please visit Dranesville Large Area Community Parking District Proposal.

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

Friday, April 10:

• Ramp from southbound I-495 to George Washington Memorial Parkway (Exit 43) closed with detour, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (continuing Saturday, April 11), for bridge girder work.
• Full closure with detour on eastbound Dulles Toll Road from Route 7 to northbound I-495, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. (continuing nightly through Sunday, April 12), for overhead sign structure work.

Saturday, April 11:

• Ramp from southbound I-495 to George Washington Memorial Parkway (Exit 43) remains closed with detour, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for bridge girder work.
• Full closure with detour on eastbound Dulles Toll Road from Route 7 to northbound I-495, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for overhead sign structure work.

Sunday, April 12:

• Full closure with detour on eastbound Dulles Toll Road from Route 7 to northbound I-495, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., for overhead sign structure work.

Upcoming Highlights

Nightly Ramp Closures April 13–18 (10 p.m. – 5 a.m.), McLean – I-495 at GWMP & Georgetown Pike: Nightly ramp closures and detours are scheduled from Monday night, April 13 through Saturday night, April 18, weather permitting, as 495 NEXT crews perform paving and bridge work. During April 13–15, ramps from southbound I-495 to the George Washington Memorial Parkway (Exit 43), northbound 495 Express Lanes to GWMP (Exit 43), and northbound I-495 to Georgetown Pike (Exit 44) will be closed and detoured; the ramp from Georgetown Pike to northbound I-495 will remain open but will be narrowed. During April 16–18, ramps from GWMP to southbound I-495 and southbound 495 Express Lanes, southbound I-495 to Georgetown Pike (Exit 44), and Georgetown Pike to southbound I-495 will be closed and detoured. Motorists should follow posted detours.

• I-495 North and South – Day- and nighttime single lane and shoulder closures; nighttime multi-lane closures and ramp closures with detours
• George Washington Memorial Parkway – Daytime single lane closure and ramp narrowing; nighttime ramp closure with detours
• Georgetown Pike – Day- and nighttime single lane closure and ramp narrowing; nighttime single lane closure 
• Dulles Toll Road and Dulles Airport Access Highway – Daytime single lane and shoulder closures; nighttime single and triple lane closures, full closures with detours, and ramp closures with detours

Please note that all work is weather dependent and may be cancelled and rescheduled or prolonged if necessary.

Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for the upcoming week will be posted tomorrow at the 495 NEXT Lane Closures webpage. Sign up to get updates and alerts 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

The National Park Service has reached substantial completion of the north parkway rehabilitation project on the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Some finishing work will continue into spring 2026 during off-peak travel hours. Motorists can expect travel impacts once crews begin rehabilitation efforts on the Route 123 Interchange bridge. Visit this webpage for more information.

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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