Having trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage

Dear Neighbor,

As we come to the end of August and are getting back into the swing of the school year, I wanted to highlight some fun weekend events to ease the transition from summer – and maybe give the kids another chance to get the wiggles out after a buttoned down first week of school!

I hope to see you on Sunday at Clemyjontri Park for an open house hosted by the Fairfax County access and inclusion staff! Clemyjontri was established in 2006 and was designed for all children, regardless of ability, to enjoy a playground experience together. It is one of the crown jewels of our park system. Sunday’s event will include free access to the carousel and train, arts and crafts, and the Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center! If you haven’t been to Clemyjontri yet, this is a nice opportunity for your first trip. It should be a great time! 

Speaking of great times, even though school’s back in session, we still have a few more summer concerts to enjoy! On Saturday, it will be the last of our Arrowbrook Centre Park series in Herndon and will feature the Natyabhoomi School of Dance (learn more here). And of course, there’s Friday Night Live in Herndon with Stealing Savannah and Sunday’s Concert on the Green in Great Falls with The Outpatients. 

We can hold onto summer just a little longer if we try… (or you can start to embrace Fall too – speaking of Friday Nights, football season is back, with both Herndon High and Langley High having their home openers tomorrow!)

Finally, I wanted to share that the Board of Supervisors is back to its regular meeting schedule after a short summer recess. We held our first meeting this past Tuesday. One highlight I’m excited about is that we moved forward an entitlement in Herndon, in the McNair/Innovation Station area, to transform a 90% unleased and underused office building into 98 new homes. The project includes a mix of townhomes and stacked townhomes, plus an urban park and new pedestrian improvements. You can check out the plans and staff report here, and my remarks here (at 4:08:50). Continuing to add housing near transit is key to keeping our area—and our county—more affordable.

I also wanted to give you a heads up that as we get into our regular business rhythm, next week we have committee meetings on Tuesdays as well. Our Budget Policy Committee meeting may be of particular interest to you as we will be discussing the FY2026 Carryover Package, or you may wish to watch our Legislative Committee meeting where we’ll start discussing a Legislative Package for the 2027 General Assembly Session. I know you can’t wait to tune in on Channel 16 live, but don’t worry, as usual, the meetings will be taped and watchable later.

Thanks so much and hope to see you soon! 

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.

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

Jimmy in the Community

Chesterbrook Woods Energy & Environment Day

First Day of School

Hawkeye 360 Ribbon Cutting

169th Recruit School Fire and Rescue Department Graduation

Introducing Our New Staff Member

Riya Saran grew up in the Dranesville District and attended Fairfax County Public Schools throughout. She graduated from Stanford University last year with her master's in public policy and bachelor's in human biology and returned to the DC area working in consulting. She has experience working in the Biden-Harris White House and for Senator Mark Warner, as well as several nonprofits, where she has worked on tech policy, healthcare, talent recruitment, education, women's empowerment, and sports. Outside of work she is an athlete, currently holding a third degree black belt in tae kwon do, previously playing D1 sports in college, and having coached and played several sports while growing up in the district.

Fairfax County Public Schools runs more than 1,600 buses daily. Whether FCPS or private school, if drivers encounter a school bus with flashing red lights, you must stop in both directions, unless separated from the bus by a median.

It is considered reckless driving, a criminal offense, if you pass a stopped school bus unloading children. Learn more about this from the Fairfax County Police Department. County school buses are now equipped with cameras to capture drivers who fail to stop when the bus’s stop arm is extended. Drivers who illegally pass school buses that are loading and unloading children will be recorded and issued a $250 citation by mail.

School Zone Speed Cameras

Pay attention to school zones, especially where they start and end. Those slower school zone speed limits are there for a reason. Follow the speed limit when the lights are flashing. It’s important to add more time into your commuting schedule so you’re not in a rush.

Speed cameras are active in specific school zones at specific times. The cameras are only active when the school zone is in effect. Drivers who exceed the speed limit by 10 mph or more will be fined based on an escalating fine structure that maxes out at $100.

If you have questions about the renovation, you can find updates and details on this website.

Online Classes Taught in Spanish

Cursos en línea en español

Hay becas disponibles. Consulta los cursos disponibles e inscríbete hoy mismo

Online Classes Taught in Spanish

Open the door to new career opportunities, greater confidence, and a more promising future.

FCPS ACE offers a variety of career-oriented online courses taught in Spanish, making it easy for native Spanish speakers to gain valuable skills while learning in a comfortable and supportive environment.

Scholarships are available. View the available courses and register today

Scholarships for Healthcare Careers

Your next career could change lives — including your own. 

Start today with a $700 Scholarship toward health and medical career training classes through FCPS ACE and gain practical, job-focused skills for an in-demand career. 

Whether you want to work directly with patients or support office operations, learn in-person or online, FCPS ACE gives you options... and a financial head start. You can earn required credentials and create a foundation for future career growth—with or without a four-year degree. A limited number of $700 scholarships are available to help make your training more affordable.

Your healthcare career could be closer than you think. Learn more and apply today!

Advance your English language skills for personal, professional, and academic success. Specialty classes through FCPS ACE focus on pronunciation, conversation, employment readiness and computer skills, helping you improve communication, prepare for jobs, and earn valuable certifications. Small classes with personal instruction are available at low-cost through FCPS Adult and Community Education. Visit their website for details and to enroll.

Applications Open for the

MCC Youth Ambassador Program

Want to make your voice heard while gaining real leadership experience? As an MCC Youth Ambassador, you'll help shape programs and events for teens, collaborate with student leaders, and represent your school while making a difference in the McLean community.

Requirements

Youth ambassadors must live within the MCC tax district and must be in high school (grades 9-12).

Please send completed applications to Ben Barber at benjamin.barber@fairfaxcounty.gov.

All applications must be received by Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, to be eligible.

For more information go to this website.

Values in Action Awards Program

Has a Town of Herndon employee gone above and beyond for you?

Now you can help us recognize them through the Town of Herndon's new Values in Action Awards Program!

The program celebrates employees who demonstrate the Town’s values of Respect, Leadership, Teamwork, Accountability and Commitment to Serve while providing exceptional service to our community.

Had a great experience with a Town employee? Tell them about it and submit a nomination today!

Community Police Academy

Interested in learning more about local law enforcement? The Community Police Academy (formerly Citizens Police Academy) is designed to give participants a glimpse behind the badge and to provide information about training, policies, and the many units and divisions within the Fairfax County Police Department.

The Fairfax County Police Department is now accepting applications for the Fall 2026 session (September 10 - November 14, 2026). Classes are held on nine consecutive Thursday nights, from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The final class, which includes graduation activities, is held on a Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Classes rotate to various police department facilities around Fairfax County. Due to the popularity of the program, all participants are required to attend at least eight out of ten classes in order to successfully graduate. Learn more and apply today!

August 28, September 4 & 11: Friday Night Live

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.

Concessions open at 6:00 p.m. The band plays from 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Visit this webpage for more information about the bands and the summer 2026 lineup.

• Friday, August 28 - Stealing Savanah
• Friday, September 4 - Shake the Room
• Friday, September 11 - Herr Metal + Dr FU

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

Herndon Town Green

777 Lynn Street

Herndon

August 29: Music at Arrowbrook Park

Come see the final Music at Arrowbrook Centre Park performance of the 2026 season featuring Natyabhoomi School of Dance. Natyabhoomi School of Dance offers dance instruction in the Mysore Style of Bharathanatyam, while also providing cultural education to its students. For more information visit this webpage.

Saturday, August 29

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

Arrowbrook Centre Park

2351 Field Point Road

Herndon, VA 20171

Come explore Clemyjontri Park at this fun Open House for all ages and abilities!

Each guest will get a ticket for:

• The carousel
• The trackless train

You can also enjoy:

• Arts and crafts
• A community resource fair
• The Wonder Wagon Mobile Nature Center

Parking is limited. A shuttle will run from Cooper Middle School (977 Balls Hill Rd, McLean).

Questions? Email fcpaaccess@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Sunday, August 30

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

6317 Georgetown Pike,

McLean, VA 22101

September 4: "The Sky's the Limit" Art Exhibition

Join the McLean Art Society as they celebrate their new September exhibition at the Opening Reception for “The Sky’s the Limit!,” a special exhibition on view September 2 to 27, 2026. “The Sky’s the Limit!” brings together original artwork inspired by the ever-changing beauty and drama of the sky, from sweeping clouds and glowing horizons to shifting light, color, weather, and atmosphere. 

Celebrate the opening of the exhibition at their Opening Reception. Enjoy an evening of art, conversation, live music, wine, and light refreshments while meeting the artists behind the work. RSVP for free here.

Friday, September 4

5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

McLean Art Gallery

6224B Old Dominion Drive, McLean

September 5 & 6: Middle Eastern Food Festival

September 9: eBike Info Session

Join the Town of Herndon for an informative community conversation about eBikes and how to ride safely and responsibly on our roads and trails.

What You'll Learn

• Laws & Rules: eBike classifications and Virginia Laws that apply to eBikes
• Roads & Trails: Rules of the road and trail etiquette for safe riding
• Resources: Local programs, maps, safety tips, and more
• Q & A: Bring your questions. Our experts are here to help!

Wednesday, September 9

6:00 p.m.

Herndon Community Center

814 Ferndale Avenue

Herndon, VA 20170

September 12: Be Stroke Smart

This FREE class is open to the public!

Every 40 seconds someone suffers a stroke! Every 4 minutes someone dies from a stroke! Strokes are the 3rd Leading cause of Death for women and the 4th leading cause of death for people over 65 years old. Do you know how to spot a stroke before it is too late to save a life?

This short class (1.5 hours) will inform you of the cause of strokes, show you how to recognize a stroke early enough to save a life and minimize the potential for long-term disability. The life you save could be your parent, sibling, spouse or your life partner. By sharing this information, you may save your own life! Sign up here.

September 12

12:00 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy

4600 W Ox Rd,

Fairfax, CA 22030

September 12: Virginia Native American Festival

More than 12,000 students at 60 local middle and high schools in Northern Virginia rely on Food For Neighbors for food support. Their Red Bag Program unites communities to collect and deliver food directly to schools, ensuring students in need don’t go hungry. What started in Herndon, VA, is now growing across Northern Virginia.

Food For Neighbors is helping students thrive by turning community kindness into nourishing meals.

Sign up today to volunteer or donate food for their upcoming food collection!

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

View as Webpage