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Dear Neighbor,

Hope everyone is gearing up for a great weekend – among other things, read on below for more information about our Arrowbrook Centre Park free concert series that starts on Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.! 

Back to some substantive matters in addition to the fun. As many of you know, I sit on the Board’s Audit Committee, one of only a few Board committees that are not “committees of the whole.” Such committee meetings are open to the public but not televised, so I wanted to start this newsletter by recapping some information from the July 7 Audit Committee meeting where we reviewed work from this past year and set out our study plan for FY2027. You can access slides and other materials provided by the Office of Financial and Program Audit (OFPA) here including the full presentation.  

This past fiscal year, OFPA completed four studies (including their most recent report on active transportation that I requested) and has another underway on restaurant permitting. The team also followed up on older audit observations to ensure recommendations were implemented, closing 26 outstanding observations.  

At the July 7 meeting, OFPA highlighted several successes stemming from recent studies. For instance, after the Active Transportation Study was presented in May, and following my request to speed up timelines, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation quickly delivered a new Project Management Delivery Guide draft in 35 days and will be finalizing that guide by August 31. Through follow-up on its Volunteer Management study, OFPA learned that the County has since created a steering committee to improve communication, coordination, and oversight of volunteer activities with Volunteer Fairfax. OFPA also shared that because of recommendations implemented from the EMS Billing Study, the EMS team now accepts credit card payments for ambulance fees, providing a more convenient option to residents and recouping lost revenue. In addition, OFPA provided new analysis on parking warnings to the police, which FCPD used to make changes to reduce revenue loss. And as a result of their County Facilities Energy Efficiency study, OFPA’s recommendation led to a pilot project that will help use new technology to improve energy efficiency at seven County buildings. Good work! 

OFPA also presented its FY27 Study Plan, underscoring its ongoing commitment to studies that create meaningful value and impact for Fairfax County residents. The plan is informed by interviews with Board members and County leaders, as well as research and analysis to identify areas where their studies can make the greatest difference. For FY27, OFPA anticipates completing five studies and continuing follow-up work on prior studies: 

• A restaurant permitting process study; 
• An Entitlement-to-Construction analysis study (which will be especially interesting given our robust housing goals!); 
• A police moving citation revenue follow-up study; 
• A study on the administration of cash proffers; and, 
• A study assessing how County community facilities are utilized. 

Obviously, there is so much more we could look at, but we have a good plan for the upcoming year! 

At this week’s meeting, OFPA also noted that since its creation in the mid-1990s, the office has remained at about three fulltime staff. This year, OFPA maximized one-time Board funding by extending its current intern for several additional months. OFPA noted that adding additional staff would expand OFPA’s capacity to conduct studies, find cost savings across the County, and identify opportunities to make County operations more effective and efficient. All four Board members on the Audit Committee – Supervisor Storck, Supervisor Herrity, Supervisor Jimenez, and myself – are open to considering enhancing the (already excellent) audit committee team. 

Thanks for reading and learning about our work and hope to see some of you this weekend. Read on for more fun in the Dranesville District!

All the best,

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Jimmy in the Community

Great Falls Fourth of July Parade

Herndon Fourth of July Celebration

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.

Volunteer and Partner Services is partnering with Roonga for their School Supply and Backpack Drive! Now through August 7, you or your organization are invited to Adopt-A-Student and help them start the school year prepared and confident. Learn more by visiting 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.

Did you know the average outdoor flag lasts only about 90 days? The ever-changing weather and the blasting rays of the sun will inevitably result in a worn-out flag. The United States has a set of laws pertaining to disposal known as the United States Flag Code, or “retiring the flag." Visit this webpage for information on how to properly dispose flags in the County.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s new 2026 Bike Map is here! You can explore updated routes and bike‑friendly connections online or pick up a printed copy at the Dranesville District Supervisor’s Office at 1437 Balls Hill Road in McLean. Whether you are going for a spin around the neighborhood, biking to work or school, or enjoying your local park on two wheels, the Fairfax County Bike Map can help you find the best and most enjoyable route to your destination.

• The forest accepted her as one of its own.
• I told him not to eat that piece of pie...
• Everyone at this party has a secret.
• The job was mysterious and important.
• We hold these truths to be self-evident... (America 250 theme)

Three winners from each age group (grades 3 - 6, grades 7-12, and adults) will receive a $25 gift card and a certificate signed by Eric Carzon, the Library Director, and the Executive Director for the Fairfax Library Foundation. These short stories will be featured on the FCPL website. 

Stories should be submitted online. The contest ends on July 31. Winners will be notified in late August. For more information and to submit a story, please visit this webpage.

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) offers down payment loans to qualified individuals for first-time home purchases. Up to $50,000 is available for down payment assistance to help remove barriers to homeownership. These loans are made possible by a grant from Virginia Housing. For more information, please visit this webpage.

FCPS Adult and Community Education (ACE), with support from the ACE Foundation and private donors, is offering $1,000 scholarships for Skilled Trade Apprenticeship courses in Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC. The scholarship application window runs through August 15, 2026, with awards applied directly toward tuition for approved FCPS ACE trade courses. The initiative reflects FCPS ACE’s continued investment in workforce development and expanding access to career training in high-demand industries. For more information and to apply, visit FCPS ACE Trades Apprenticeship Scholarship.

Fairfax County is accepting submissions for the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards now through July 10 at 5:00 p.m. Established in 1984, the awards program celebrates outstanding planning and design features that enhance the experience of site users and visitors. The program aims to raise awareness of both public and private projects. Professionals and the general public are encouraged to participate. For more information, please visit Exceptional Design Awards.

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 band, Legal in the District, will play at 6:30 p.m. Visit this webpage for more information about the band and the summer 2026 lineup.

Friday, July 10

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

Herndon Town Green

777 Lynn Street

Herndon

Got questions about your devices? Bring them for one-on-one help!

Saturday, July 11

12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dolley Madison Library Meeting Room 2

1244 Oak Ridge Avenue

McLean

Experience the rich tapestry of Chinese culture with dancers from the Greater Washington Chinese Dance. They will be presenting a variety of dance styles that reflect the diversity of China. As part of the performance, the dancers will share insights into the cultural significance and historical origins of each dance.

This program is suitable for all ages. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. While registration is encouraged, it is not required. 

Saturday, July 11

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Great Falls Library Meeting Room

9830 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

The Herndon Fortnightly Library will host three vibrant dance performances presented by the Sindhura School of Bharatanatyam. Guests will experience Thillana, known for its fast footwork and rhythmic precision; the Peacock Dance, a colorful celebration of spring; and the Pot Dance, featuring impressive balance and striking poses. For more information and to register for the event, visit this webpage.

Saturday, July 11

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library Meeting Room

768 Center Street

Herndon

Come see Marc Berger and RIDE kick off the Concerts at Arrowbrook Centre Park series in Herndon. Marc is a nationally touring artist based out of NY. He has performed at Austin’s SXSW Music Festival and opened shows for Bob Dylan and other national acts. At this special concert, Marc and the fabulous RIDE Band will present an exciting mix of shake your booty, American roots rock, blues, and country music. For additional details, please visit this webpage.

Saturday, July 11

7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Arrowbrook Centre Park

2351 Field Point Road

Herndon

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. 

GXB delivers an energetic mix of modern rock, alternative, and high-powered live performance. With driving rhythms, dynamic vocals, and a polished stage presence, the band brings festival-ready energy to every show.

Please note that dogs and alcohol are not allowed at the Village Centre Green.

Sunday, July 12

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

Village Centre Green

754-C Walker Road

Great Falls

Residents age 50 and older in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church are encouraged to complete the 2026 Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults by July 14. The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging is collecting feedback on topics such as housing, mobility, accessibility, health, and community engagement. Your participation supports planning for future programs and services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers in our community.

Are you curious about becoming a foster parent? Hundreds of children in Fairfax County need a temporary loving home until they can safely return to their families. We need more foster parents, and information meetings are one of the ways we get to know prospective parents. For more information about the upcoming meeting, please visit Foster Care and Adoption – Monthly Information Meetings.

Tuesday, July 14

6:45 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Do you have concerns about speeding, dangerous intersections, loud vehicles, pedestrian safety, or e-bikes in the McLean Police Station's patrol area? The Fairfax County Police Department's McLean District Station invites you to attend a FREE Traffic Safety Town Hall to learn about current traffic initiatives, hear from local transportation experts, and ask questions about the issues that matter most to you and your neighborhood.

Representatives from the Fairfax County Police Traffic Division, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will discuss topics including:

• Speeding enforcement
• Road construction projects
• Loud mufflers and excessive vehicle noise
• E-bikes and roadway safety
• Pedestrian safety
• Community questions and concerns

Can't make it or have a question you'd like addressed during the meeting? Need a special accommodation? Email FCPDMcLeanCPO@fairfaxcounty.gov.

No registration is required. All residents, business owners, and commuters are encouraged to attend. Your input helps identify concerns, improve roadway safety, and make McLean's streets safer for everyone.

Wednesday, July 29

6:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

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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