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Dear Neighbor,

As I mentioned in a previous newsletter, every Board of Supervisors meeting begins with presentations where we get to celebrate, honor, and recognize important contributions to our community. This past week’s presentations connected thematically and in tone in a way we rarely see in the Board room – it was a great morning, and I want to share it with you! 

On Tuesday we celebrated the 36th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act; recognized the 125th anniversary of Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind; honored Bryna Helfer for her 35 years of Adapted Aquatics instruction at the Spring Hill Rec Center; designated June 2026 as Park and Recreation Month; and honored Fairfax Water General Manager Jaime Hedges for her 37 years of service. Put together, these resolutions created a through-line underscoring Fairfax County’s commitment to inclusion, public service, and the community spaces—parks, pools, and essential infrastructure (and water!)—that help residents of every ability thrive. 

 As I mentioned during the meeting, celebrating the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) offers a fitting alignment with the America 250 celebration, because the ADA reflects our founding belief that every person is created equal and entitled to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Moreover, it represents the best of federal legislation, seeking to promote and enshrine equal protection under the law, and it was the culmination of a concerted campaign of advocates, activists, and everyday Americans who simply wanted to make sure that everyone in society gets a fair shot. Fairfax County is always working to expand its accessibility efforts, and you can learn more at our upcoming AccessAbility event on July 30, which will connect residents with disabilities and their families with supportive County programs. Read on for more details! 

We also had the privilege of recognizing Bryna Helfer and her remarkable 35 years with the Spring Hill Adapted Aquatics program, where individuals of all abilities build confidence, discover independence, and experience the joy and freedom that comes from being in the water. As many of you may already know, since it somehow finds its way into my bio at nearly every event, I actually learned to swim at Spring Hill myself, so this recognition certainly hit close to home. Bryna’s dedication has opened the water to generations of swimmers; she has truly left a lasting impact on the community, and we are grateful for her service. You can view my full remarks about Bryna and her work here. Not only did Bryna bring a ton of energy into the Board room, she also brought a fan club! 

Of course I’d be remiss not to also mention that it is Park and Recreation Month as well here in Fairfax County! Speaking of parks, thank you to everyone who made it out this past Saturday night to our first concert of the summer at Arrowbrook Centre Park. This weekend will feature Kadencia Orchestra for a night of Puerto Rican salsa. I also want to plant the seed for next weekend’s show as well – calling all Swifties for Lover: The *unofficial* Eras Tour on July 25! 

I hope you have a great weekend, and I encourage you to keep reading for upcoming happenings, community events, and important updates from around the Dranesville District.

All the best,

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Jimmy in the Community

Friday Night Live

Greater Washington Chinese Dance Performance at Great Falls Library

Arts in the Park at Spring Hill Rec Center

Music at Arrowbrook Park - Marc Berger and RIDE

Three voting sites are open for early voting for the August 4 Dual Primary Election. This Primary Election is held to nominate a candidate for the Democratic (8th Congressional District) and Republican (8th, 10th, and 11th Congressional Districts) Parties for the offices of United States Senate, Member of the United States House of Representatives, and local offices. 

Thirteen additional locations — including the McLean Governmental Center, Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library, Great Falls Library, and Herndon Fortnightly Library — will open for early voting on July 25.

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. 

Important dates:

• Register to Vote/Update Registration: through July 24, 2026
• Early in-person voting: June 18, 2026 through August 1, 2026
• Apply for ballot to be mailed to you: through July 24, 2026

For more information, including sample ballots, please visit this webpage.

Cornerstones is accepting donations for their Back-To-School Drive through their Amazon Wish List, as well as in‑person drop‑offs every Friday in July from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Community members can bring backpacks, school supplies, and hearty weekend snacks to the FREE from Hunger Center (22560 Glenn Drive, Unit 105, Sterling).

For more information, please contact events@cornerstonesva.org.

Cooling Assistance is a program designed to help keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household member must be: 60 or older, 5 or younger, or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid, or 100% Veteran’s Administration. 

Applications for Cooling Assistance are accepted through August 15, 2026. For more information, please visit this webpage.

The McLean District Station Police is partnering with SHARE of McLean to help increase donations during the months of June through September. This time of the year is especially challenging for families who don't have the resources of free/reduced meal programs in school. Your generosity can make a real difference in the lives of these children, families, and others.

The McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean) is one of the collection points for non-perishable donations. There will be a donation box in the lobby where you can drop off items from June 1 - September 30. You can also bring donations to SHARE of McLean, located in the back of the McLean Baptist Church (1367 Chain Bridge Road, McLean). The main entrance to SHARE is located at door #8 behind the Church. Please consider giving what you can.

There are three tick species regularly found in Fairfax County that bite people. Some tick bites can transmit pathogens or cause other health conditions. Protect yourself by visiting this guide, which walks you through various considerations and actions to help prevent tick bites. 

Teens across Fairfax County are invited to participate in the Teen Cover Art Contest!

Instructions:

• Choose a dystopian or Science Fiction Young adult book.
• Redesign the cover.
• Include the book title and author in your design. 

One submission per student. No copyrighted material. No AI art will be considered. Three winners will be selected per category: 7th-8th grade and 9th-12th grade. To participate, you must be a rising 7th-12th grader and live or study in Fairfax County. Artwork is accepted in any format but needs to be scanned or photographed and submitted via the online form, which is open through August 19. Winners will be announced September 1, 2026. Winners will receive a prize and have their artwork will be displayed in an exhibit at the Fairfax County Community Services Room located at 1961 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.

Herndon Parks & Recreation is offering WaterWise Kids, a free summer swim program for students at the Herndon Community Center. Due to high demand, the program is expanding two new teen swim lesson sessions for ages 13–17 on July 25. Class times are 1:10–1:40 p.m. and 2:30–3:00 p.m., with only 10 total spots available. Visit this webpage to apply for the program.

Celebrate America’s story at a historic moment. As the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, McLean Community Players' 1776 brings the passionate debates, personal rivalries, and hard-won compromises of the Founding Fathers vividly to life. With a rousing score and sharp wit, this Tony Award–winning musical reminds us that democracy was born not in certainty, but in courage, conviction, and collaboration. A timely, entertaining, and surprisingly human portrait of the people behind the revolution. Showtimes are available July 17–19, July 24–26, and August 1–2. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit this webpage.

Head to downtown Herndon for Friday Night Live! — a free outdoor concert series featuring great live music and fun for all ages. Bring your friends, family, and a lawn chair and enjoy the perfect way to start your weekend.

The opening act, Dr. FU, will play at 6:30 p.m., followed by Herr Metal as the main act. Visit this webpage for more information about the bands and the summer 2026 lineup.

Friday, July 17

6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Herndon Town Green

777 Lynn Street

Herndon

Arts in the Park is a FREE family fun alternative to cartoons and video games. It entertains children; teaches them the importance of protecting our natural resources; introduces them to live entertainment in an informal, kid friendly atmosphere; and forges a connection between kids and parks.

Come to the Spring Hill Rec Center for a performance by The Great Zucchini.The wonder of magic, silliness of comedy, and interactive nature of The Great Zucchini's show keeps children on the edge of their seats. Watch your kids' faces light up as they see things disappear and reappear. Watch how animated and excited the children get when they yell "Wake up Zucchini," when he accidentally falls asleep during the show or when he turns tissue paper into colorful rainbow streamers, or when his puppet, Ruffles the Rabbit, keeps coming out of the hat without The Great Zucchini noticing. This is "eye candy" magic comedy at its best. Visit this webpage for more information about the event.

Saturday, July 18

10:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Spring Hill Rec Center

1239 Spring Hill Road

McLean

Saturday, July 18

3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library Meeting Room

768 Center Street

Herndon

Do you want to connect with other women and share your journey of midlife self-discovery and personal growth? Then please join the Tysons-Pimmit Library for a new women's midlife book club and sharing circle, ideal for women around ages 35-60. The book for July is This Time Tomorrow by Emma Straub (fiction). Visit this webpage for more information about this new book club.

Saturday, July 18

4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library Conference Room

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church

Join the Chinese Culture Club on the last Saturday of the month to explore Chinese history, art, music, and culture through a variety of activities. All activities will be facilitated in both English and Chinese Mandarin. All Chinese language levels are welcome!

Registration is required. Please register for the children attending the program and those who would like to receive lantern-making materials. Participants who are joining just for the lantern riddles do not need to register. Adults do not need to register.

Saturday, July 18

4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Dolley Madison Library Meeting Rooms 1 & 2

1244 Oak Ridge Avenue

McLean

Pack up the family, a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic dinner or grab takeout at a local restaurant! Everyone is invited to gather at the gazebo on the Village Centre Green for a laid-back evening of good music and good times with your neighbors. 

The Groove Spot keeps audiences moving with an upbeat blend of funk, soul, dance favorites, and classic hits. Their lively performances, tight musicianship, and crowd interaction make every concert feel like a neighborhood celebration.

Please note that dogs and alcohol are not allowed at the Village Centre Green. Visit Concerts on the Green for more information.

Sunday, July 19

6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Village Centre Green

754-C Walker Road

Great Falls

The first real estate tax payment of the year is due on July 28 for property owners who do not pay through a mortgage company. Residents can submit their payment online using an e-check or a credit/debit card. Learn more and access the payment portal by visiting this webpage.

This free event connects people with disabilities and their families directly with County agencies and partners. Get personalized assistance and learn about valuable programs designed to support you and your loved ones. Qualifying attendees may receive a $50 transportation gift card. Limited quantity available! For more information and to pre-register for event updates, visit AccessAbility Fairfax.

Thursday, July 30

10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax

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 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 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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