Having trouble viewing this email? View as Webpage

Dear Neighbor,

I know many of you are enjoying spring break this week so I will keep this short. I hope you are taking the opportunity to have a little fun and relaxation whether on vacation or in town. If you are looking for things to do in the Dranesville District, the Walk & Win Challenge is now underway. Throughout April, you can walk the Dranesville loop or create your own route, snap a photo or screenshot from your walk, and enter for weekly prizes. I’ll be walking the Dranesville loop with the community on Sunday, April 12 at noon and would love for you to join me then, too! We will meet at the Spring Hill Rec Center.

Read on for more happenings in the Dranesville District and beyond!

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

Women's History Month Breakfast with Fairfax County Commission for Women

Three voting sites are 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.

Thirteen additional early voting sites, including the McLean Governmental Center, will be open for early voting from April 11-18. 

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, please visit this webpage. 

• Explanation for Proposed Constitutional Amendment 
• Sample ballot for April 21, 2026 Special Election 
• Deadline to register: April 14 
• Deadline to apply for an absentee by-mail ballot: April 10  

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.

Each spring, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s repaving program improves hundreds of miles of roads in Fairfax County. VDOT has released its 2026 repaving map which shows which roads are included in this year’s repaving. Road segments that are red indicate that the road is scheduled to be paved but work has not yet started; road segments in green indicate that the work is in progress; and road segments in blue indicate that the work has been completed. Click on the road segment to see additional details of the repaving, including contact information for the project manager. As described at the October 7, 2025 community meeting, FCDOT has coordinated with VDOT to identify restriping opportunities during repaving that can increase safety for people who walk and bike along the roads – this year a short bike lane segment on westbound Sayward Boulevard will be added between Carta Way and King Johns Way.

Want to help make Fairfax County a safer place to walk, bike and roll? Join FCDOT's Bicycle & Pedestrian Ambassador Program and play a key role in promoting safe and accessible active transportation!  

As an Ambassador, you can:  

• Share your knowledge of safe active transportation practices with other County residents.  
• Support community events by representing Fairfax County to help spread active transportation programs and safety messages.  
• Meet new people at learn-to-ride classes, bike rodeos, tabling events and other 
• active transportation activities. 

Sign up today through the Volunteer Portal and start making a difference! Read more about Active Transportation by reading the latest edition of FCDOT's Active Transportation newsletter.

Are you a business owner planning to lease space in an existing building? If your project involves 5,000 square feet or less and minor interior alterations, you may qualify for Fairfax County’s Tenant Support Services (TSS) Pilot Program. 

The TSS Pilot Program is designed to help small tenant projects move through the permit approval process more efficiently by providing early guidance, clear expectations, and coordinated review support. 

Applicants are encouraged to contact the program before signing a lease to confirm that the space is suitable for your proposed business use. 

For more details about this program, visit the Tenant Support Service Pilot Program webpage.

With temperatures rising and spring bulbs poking through the earth, Fairfax County offers a number of services and resources available to gardeners, growers and those who dabble in between. Visit this webpage for ways to prepare for this gardening and growing season.

Did you know that leaky toilets are the most common source of household water loss? A quick, simple test can help you find out if your toilet is silently wasting water. 

Free dye tablets from Fairfax Water are now available at the Dranesville District Supervisor's office at 1437 Balls Hill Road, or you can use a few drops of red or blue food dye. Here’s how to check: 

• Flush your toilet. 
• Wait five minutes, then remove the tank lid. 
• Place one dye tablet or five drops of food dye into the tank. Wait 15 minutes. 
• If the dye appears in the bowl, you have a leak. 

To learn more about common causes of toilet leaks and how to detect other types of leaks in your home, visit fairfaxwater.org/detecting-leaks. 

The Virginia Department of Education and the Secretary of Education are hosting a series of Listening Sessions across the Commonwealth to hear from Virginians about how we can highlight successes and work together to strengthen public education by supporting educators and students.

These sessions are an opportunity for division leaders, educators, parents, students, and community members to share what is working well and to contribute to the conversation about how state leaders should be thinking about ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education and the supports they need to succeed. 

Visit this webpage for details about upcoming Listening Sessions. If you cannot attend a listening session, submit public comment by April 10, 2026.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is planning for a new roadway connecting Old Meadow Road to Magarity Road in Tysons. The proposed Lincoln Street will provide alternative access from Old Meadow Road to I-66 and the McLean area, 

bypassing portions of Route 123. It is part of the Tysons grid of streets, a street network to accommodate anticipated growth, for a well-connected and more livable urban community. 

For more information on the grid of streets, please visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/tysons/transportation.

The Lincoln Street project will construct a two-lane roadway with sidewalks on both sides 

and a bridge over Scott’s Run. Additionally, the project includes dual mini roundabouts on Magarity Road at the intersection of Peabody Drive and Violet Ridge Place. 

Funding for the project includes local tax, proffer and state grant.

Information related to the project is available for review at the Fairfax County Department of 

Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax VA 22033. Please call 703-877-5733 for an appointment. Information is also available online, visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/

transportation/projects/lincoln-street. 

If your concerns cannot be satisfied, FCDOT is willing to hold a public hearing. You may request that a public hearing be held by sending a written letter to Ms. Sonia Shahnaj, Project Manager, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax VA 22033 on or prior to April 10, 2026. If upon receiving public comments it is deemed necessary to hold a public hearing, notice of date, time and place of hearing will be posted.

The McLean Art Gallery is pleased to feature “Awakening Color,” a new seasonal exhibition from the local nonprofit McLean Art Society. Members of the public are invited to enjoy 170 new works from more than 40 local artists. Included are paintings in oil, acrylic, pastel. watercolor and mixed media; drawings; photography; sculpture; and works in wood, glass, ceramics and jewelry. Register to attend the opening reception to meet the artists and enjoy live music, wine and light refreshments.

Friday, April 3

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

McLean Art Gallery

6224 Old Dominion Drive

McLean

Celebrate spring with one of Herndon’s favorite family traditions! Bring your baskets, cameras, and egg-hunting shoes for a fun-filled morning at Bready Park.

The event kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with games, arts and crafts, music, and a special photo opportunity with the Bunny. Egg hunts will follow by age group at designated times. The event is held rain or shine. Register in advance for $10 or register onsite for $15 (cash or check only). Visit this webpage for more details about the event.

Saturday, April 4

9:30 a.m.

Bready Park Softball Field

814 Ferndale Avenue

Herndon

Join your neighbors in celebrating the changing of seasons with spring-themed arts and crafts, an egg hunt, entertainment and the opportunity for your child to get a photo with Bunny! Make sure you bring your camera as an OFC staff member will be on hand to take the photo of you and your family. Visit Spring Fest – McLean Center for more details about the event.

Egg Hunt times:

• 5 years old and older: 10:15 a.m., 10:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m.
• Under 5 years old: 10:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 11:30 a.m.

Saturday, April 4

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

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Drop in for a half hour of open play at sensory stations. This event is intended for children aged 18 months to six years, accompanied with a parent or guardian. No registration is required.

Saturday, April 4

10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Dolley Madison Library Meeting Rooms 1 & 2

1244 Oak Ridge Avenue

McLean

April 4: Recycling Pirates Puppet Musical at Great Falls Library

Hunt for eggs filled with treats and treasures on the grounds of Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. There are separate egg hunts for different age groups. Before the hunt, make egg-cellent crafts to take home. Bring your own basket; program will be held rain or shine. This program is intended for children from two to nine years old. All slots are currently filled, but a waitlist is available. Register for $12 online.

Saturday, April 4

11:00 a.m.

Colvin Run Mill

10017 Colvin Run Road

Great Falls

Learn about building robots with students from the award-winning RISE Foundation with Capitol Robotics. This program is intended for children ages eight-12 with an adult. Space is limited. Registration is required. Please register ONLY the child who is attending. Late arrivals are not guaranteed admission, even with registration.

Saturday, April 4

3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Herndon Fortnightly Library Maker Lab

768 Center Street

April 5: Family Walk at Riverbend Park

Do you enjoy deep, honest and respectful discussions of fundamental human questions? Attend Socrates Cafe, where people from different backgrounds get together and exchange philosophical perspectives based on their experiences, using the cooperative argumentative dialogue of the Socratic Method. This program is intended for adults. Registration is required.

Tuesday, April 7

1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Library Meeting Room 2

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church

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 below:

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. 

FCDOT and the Dranesville District Supervisor’s Office will host a public virtual meeting on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., to present information on the proposed Dranesville Large Area Community Parking District.   

For more information and meeting access details, please visit Dranesville Large Area Community Parking District Proposal.

This drive-through environmental action event is designed to provide McLean residents with an opportunity to divert items from landfills and create a healthier planet through shredding, reusing, recycling and replenishing. The event includes document shredding (up to five file boxes—no clips please), bike donations, bulk and household item donations and more. Don’t leave without your free gifts! Admission is free. This program is intended for MCC district residents only. Registration is required. Visit this webpage for more information.

Saturday, April 11

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

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Join NextStop Theatre’s Director of Education, Jessi Shull, for a joyful, imagination-filled hour of storytelling and play! Each class begins with a delightful picture book that becomes the springboard into beginner acting skills—using bodies, voices, and big ideas to bring stories to life. Little ones will explore creativity through movement, pretend play, and simple drama activities, all in a warm, encouraging environment. A free snack is included, and adults are required to stay and participate, making this a wonderful, shared experience for both kids and their grown-ups. This program is intended for ages three to five. Please visit Tot Ensemble | NextStop Theatre for additional details.

Saturday, April 11

9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

NextStop Theatre

269 Sunset Park Drive

Herndon

Celebrate Langley’s 60th Anniversary! There will be an Open House with refreshments, time capsule, slide show, speakers from the decades, tours, booster wear sales, PTSA fundraising and much more.  

RSVP by visiting this webpage. For additional updates, visit Langley's webpage.

Saturday, April 11

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

Langley High School

6520 Georgetown Pike

McLean

The Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department cordially invites community members and their families to the upcoming blood drive on Sunday, April 12. This event is the second annual Lilly Joy Kishore Memorial Blood Drive, held in partnership with Inova Blood Donor Services, in memory of a lifelong and beloved Great Falls resident. Lilly suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in May 2021 despite being a healthy college athlete. She was placed on advanced life support but passed away a month later at the age of 21. The Kishore family—longtime pillars of the Great Falls community for more than 25 years—has contributed through PTA and athletic boards, coaching, scouting, and sponsoring local events and awards. Lilly shared the same positive, giving spirit, and her friends and family continue to honor her by embracing the “Live Like Lilly” philosophy, supporting meaningful causes like replenishing the local blood supply.

Blood donors will receive giveaways including coupons for a free pint of ice cream from the Great Falls Creamery and a free specialty coffee from Katie’s Coffee. Sparky the Fire Dog and the Creamery Cow will also be onsite to cheer on participants and encourage everyone to learn hands‑only CPR with guidance from the department’s EMTs. Register for a slot by visiting this webpage.

Sunday, April 12

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

Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department

9916 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for the July 2026 through June 2027 term. EQAC is an advisory group appointed by the Board of Supervisors to provide advice on environmental matters. Interested high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply by April 12, 2026. Visit this webpage for more information and to access the application materials.

Join Senator Jennifer Boysko and Delegate Rip Sullivan to discuss the important issues worked on this past General Assembly session.

Wednesday, April 15

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Great Falls Grange

9818 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

Hear from professionals in Health and Human Services as they discuss transitioning into local government careers.

Discover how your federal government and contracting experience can open doors in local government. This webinar brings together local government leaders and professionals—along with former federal employees who have successfully transitioned into local roles—to share practical insights and highlight the advantages of making local government your next career move.

Visit this webpage for more details and to register.

Thursday, April 16

10:00 a.m.

April 17: 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

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

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

TRAFFIC SHIFT ON GEORGETOWN PIKE BELTWAY BRIDGE IN MCLEAN PLANNED FOR MONDAY NIGHT, APRIL 6

All eastbound travel lanes on the Georgetown Pike Bridge over I-495 (Capital Beltway) will be shifted onto the newly constructed southern portion of the bridge on or about Monday night, April 6, weather permitting. This new Georgetown Pike Bridge is one of seven new or rehabilitated bridges built or improved as part of the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project.

Details for Drivers:

Beginning at 10 p.m., Monday, April 6, through 5 a.m., Tuesday, April 7, multi-lane closures will be in place on the Georgetown Pike Bridge over I-495. Both eastbound and westbound traffic will be maintained but will be facilitated by a flagging operation. Police will be on site to assist in directing traffic.

Additionally, the ramps from northbound I-495 (Beltway Inner Loop) to Georgetown Pike (Exit 44) and from Georgetown Pike to southbound I-495 (Beltway Outer Loop) will be closed with traffic detoured as follows:

Northbound I-495 (Beltway Inner Loop) to Georgetown Pike (Exit 44):

• From northbound I-495, take earlier exit for northbound Route 123/Chain Bridge Road (Exit 46B).
• Continue northbound on Route 123 to Georgetown Pike intersection.

Georgetown Pike to southbound I-495 (Beltway Outer Loop):



• Take Georgetown Pike to southbound Route 123/Dolley Madison Boulevard.
• Continue southbound on Route 123 to on-ramp for southbound I-495 (Beltway Outer Loop).

Drivers are urged to use caution and expect potential delays if they travel through this area.

Final Construction Activities on New Georgetown Pike Bridge

Following the traffic shift, crews will construct the bridge’s center median, a new sidewalk on the north side of the bridge, and the new I-495 bicycle and pedestrian shared-use trail on the south side of the bridge. Final bridge work will include paving and installation of lane markings, permanent traffic and pedestrian signals, and roadway signs. This work will require periodic day and nighttime lane closures on the bridge. All work on the new bridge is anticipated to be completed by late spring.

Once work is complete, the new Georgetown Pike Bridge will consist of six travel lanes (three lanes eastbound and three lanes westbound) for drivers, as well as improved access and connections for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Remaining Project Construction

Beyond work on and near the Georgetown Pike Bridge, final work to complete the 495 NEXT project includes:

• Constructing a 25-spot parking lot at the southeast corner of the Georgetown Pike Bridge and I-495 interchange, adjacent to Balls Hill Road and across from Cooper Middle School, for visitors to Scott’s Run Nature Preserve and users of the new shared-use trail.
• Completing the shared-use trail, which will extend from Lewinsville Road to Live Oak Drive.
• Final paving along Balls Hill Road and Georgetown Pike, and rehabilitation of the existing I-495 overpasses that connect I-495 with the George Washington Memorial Parkway. 
• Revegetation throughout the project corridor.

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

View as Webpage