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Dear Neighbor, 

While it’s starting to feel like the holidays, the Board of Supervisors still has some important committee meetings coming up on Tuesday, November 26, including the Legislative Committee where we will further discuss the Board’s legislative program (many thanks to the residents who came to testify at Tuesday’s public hearing on the proposed legislative program and, yes, I’m still fighting the misguided casino idea that does not have support of the Board of Supervisors. We also have a Budget Policy Committee joint meeting with the FCPS School Board. This is an important meeting where we hear presentations from both County and FCPS budget staff and have the opportunity to talk budget with members of both boards in the same room. As you might know, school funding is roughly half of the County budget (and is significantly underfunded by the state—which is why, in large part, the Legislative Committee and Budget Policy Committee meetings go hand in hand next week) so I welcome this discussion and hope that it’s the first step in productive deliberations about making sound choices in a tight budget year. While I will not stop pounding the drum with respect to Richmond’s shortcomings, we also know that we will need to do our part as well. If you are interested in following along, you can watch our meeting live or later on demand. 

Because Thanksgiving is next Thursday, on the day that the Dranesville Dispatch is regularly distributed, this will be my last newsletter before Thanksgiving. So, I want to wish you an early Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that you will have the opportunity to gather with friends and family, enjoy excellent food, and reflect on things that you are thankful for.  

I am thankful for my family and for the privilege of representing you and working to advance the Dranesville District and Fairfax County. In this position, I have spoken with many residents and attended many wonderful Dranesville events—sometimes I joke that my favorite thing about being Supervisor is simply learning about and having a reason to go to so many fun community gatherings—like this past weekend’s Astronomy Festival at Turner Farm.

Through these experiences, I have had the chance to continue to learn about what is important to our residents, strategize on what improvements can be made and have a lot of fun, too. 

In the spirit of gratitude and the holiday season, there are a number of opportunities to give back to the community this holiday season. Here are just a few programs that you might want to consider: 

• Stuff the Bus Virtual Food Drive 
• Adopt-A-Family for the 2024 Holiday Season 
• FCPD Victims Services Holiday Gift Card Drive 
• Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Gift Card Drive 
• Food for Neighbors Holiday Meal Program 
• SHARE of McLean Clothing and Gift Card Collection
• Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Toys for Tots 

And, in the spirit of the inevitable holiday shopping, please support Small Business Saturday on Saturday, November 30! The Dranesville District has some great small businesses and one, Fonts Books, has been featuring a countdown of local businesses on its social media pages. I have my favorites, but I am always eager to learn about more, so feel free to let me know your favorites so that we might share them on Facebook and Instagram! You can also take a look at the Made in Fairfax Gift Guide to find unique gifts made right here in Fairfax County.  

All the best, 

Jimmy 

James N. Bierman, Jr. 

Dranesville District Supervisor

McLean Governmental Center 

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean, VA 22101

PH: 703-356-0551

Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov

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McLean Citizens Association 110th Anniversary

Astronomy Festival at Turner Farm Park

Haycock Longfellow Park Tree Rescue

McLean Citizens Association History Walk

According to the Alzheimer's Association, nearly 7 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer's disease. This number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050. While much about this disease is still unknown, what is known is that it disproportionally affects African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans and women. Learn how to recognize the early signs of Alzheimer's and dementia and actions you can take to improve your brain health by visiting Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.

Each year, the National Coalition for the Homeless and the National Student Campaign Against Hunger designate the week prior to Thanksgiving as National Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week.

Food insecurity impacts more than 60,000 people in Fairfax County, according to Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization. According to the 2023 Point in Time Count, 1,310 people were unhoused in the County. If you're in need of food or shelter, or wish to help those in need, visit Fight Hunger and Homelessness in Fairfax County.

The winners of the 2024 Friends of Trees Awards have been selected by the Fairfax County Tree Commission. The recognition honors two individuals and two groups for their outstanding contributions to tree conservation and the County’s urban forest. This year, Dranesville had two award recipients: Carol Walter (McLean Trees Foundation & FCPA IMA) and the Urban Forest Alliance. A recognition ceremony will be held in spring 2025. Congratulations!

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held a virtual community information meeting to discuss the design of the new Lincoln Street connecting Old Meadow Road to Magarity Road and improvements to Magarity Road between Peabody Drive and Violet Ridge Place on November 13, 2024. Learn more about the project, watch the meeting, and provide feedback on the preliminary design (feedback is due by December 6, 2024).

The Northern Virginia Soil & Water Conservaton District's November Green Breakfast featuring Sam Droege drew a crowd online. If you missed it or want to share the experience with others, the recording is available on YouTube.  

Be sure to check out Sam Droege's USGS webpage to explore his incredible close-up photos of native bees and learn more about his work.

Yard Watch, brought to you by the Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA), highlights a different invasive species to look out for each month. This month, they are focusing on burning bush. While its bright red fall color is striking, burning bush is an invasive species that harms local ecosystems. Its seeds spread to nearby woodlands, and its dense roots crowd out native plants that birds and pollinators depend on for food. Sale of this plant is banned or restricted in five states, and it is officially considered invasive in 21 states including Virginia. Burning bush offers limited appeal most of the year, consider replacing it with native alternatives that provide beauty and ecological benefits year-round. Find out how to eradicate this bush.

If you or your family earned less than $67,000 in 2024, you may qualify for this free service!

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is a national program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help families maximize their tax returns and avoid the fees businesses charge to prepare taxes. Northern Virginia CASH is a coalition of community partners who support the VITA sites in Northern Virginia. Since 2008, Fairfax County Department of Family Services has provided operational support to the coalition partners.  

In-person VITA services are available at several sites in Northern Virginia. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointments are needed. For more information, please send an email or call 703-533-5320 (please leave a message).

Don’t miss the best prices of the season, November 16-29.

Pass Savings (Regular Greens Fees-excluding Senior Rounds) 

25% off a 15 Round Pass

20% off a 10 Round Pass

10% off a 5 Round Pass

Seniors (65+): Buy 15 rounds and only pay for 14 rounds

Discounts apply to regular weekend and weekday rates at Burke Lake, Greendale, Jefferson, Oakmont, Pinecrest, Laurel Hill (senior rounds only) and Twin Lakes golf courses. Purchase in Pro Shops. Rounds are good for two years for greens fees only. Passes Valid at course purchased only. Pass sale prices applied to in season rates.

The Dranesville District office, located at 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean VA 22101, is currently accepting certain rechargeable batteries and single-use/Alkaline batteries in our battery collection box.

All batteries contain chemicals. Some of these chemicals - especially lead, nickel, cadmium, mercury, zinc and silver - can be problematic if they are leaked or released into our environment. This is why it is important that they be handled correctly according to type.

As the leaves turn golden and temperatures begin to drop, fall brings its own set of challenges when it comes to staying safe. Here are some tips to help you prepare for autumn emergencies while enjoying all the season has to offer: 

• Clean gutters to prevent ice dams
• Inspect your heating system
• Trim dead tree branches
• Clear leaves to prevent slipping hazards
• Update car emergency kits

Visit Fall Weather Preparedness for more information.

Lock Up: Before leaving, double-check that all doors and windows are locked. Don’t forget garage doors, side gates, and any other entry points. 

Set Up Lighting on a Timer: To make it appear as if someone is home, use timers to turn lights on and off at different times. This is an effective way to deter burglars who may target empty houses during the holiday. 

Ask a Neighbor for Help: If possible, have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your home. Ask them to collect your mail, packages, or newspapers, so it doesn’t look like you’re away. 

Avoid Social Media Announcements: It’s tempting to share your holiday plans online, but this can inadvertently alert criminals that your home is empty. Share those holiday photos after you return instead. 

Secure Valuables: Keep valuables out of sight, and consider storing important items like jewelry, electronics, and personal documents in a safe or locked drawer. 

Set Your Alarm System: If you have a security system, make sure it’s armed before you leave. Inform your security provider that you’ll be away and ensure they have your contact information in case of an emergency. 

Stay safe and enjoy your Thanksgiving! For more tips on safety, sign up for the McLean District Station Monthly Newsletter.

Did you know Thanksgiving is the peak day for home cooking fires? According to the NFPA, Thanksgiving Day has more than three times the daily average for such incidents. Please take a moment to review the below cooking and kitchen safety tips so that you can come up with a recipe for Thanksgiving success! 

• Have a “kid-free zone” of at least three feet around the stove and areas where hot food or drink is prepared or carried. 
• Keep things that can catch fire such as dish towels, curtains, or paper, at least three feet away from the stove.
• Do not leave cooking food unattended. If you leave the kitchen, even for a short time, turn off the stove. 
• Turn pot handles inward, facing the wall to prevent burns caused by overturning or spills. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority’s holiday and winter programs are here, and registration is open for select festive events that have become traditions for families all across the County.

Experience the Holidays at Colvin Run Mill:

• Holiday Lantern Tour: Dec. 6-7, 5:30 or 6:30 p.m., $12
• Children’s Holiday Shopping at Historic Colvin Run: Dec. 7-8, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m., $7
• Santa at the Mill: Dec. 14 (3-5:30 p.m.) & Dec. 15 (2-4:30 p.m.), $10
• Sensory-Friendly Santa at the Mill: Dec. 14 (12:30-2:15 p.m.) & Dec. 15 (11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.), $40 per group (up to five in a group)

Learn more by visiting Holiday Festivities | Park Authority.

Shop local this holiday season! From custom furniture to baked goods and jewelry, support talented artisans and small businesses. Discover unique, gift-worthy products made right here in Fairfax County through the Made in Fairfax 2024 Holiday Gift Guide.

Show off your holiday spirit in the McLean Community Center's Light Up McLean: Holiday House Decorating Competition. McLean residents can enter to compete for top honors in three categories: Best Overall, Most Creative/Original, and Best Holiday Theme. Register by Friday, December 13. The contest and voting will run from December 23 through January 5. Families who register will receive a thank you gift from the Old Firehouse. Visit Light Up McLean for more information.

The Live Healthy Fairfax Awards recognize individuals, businesses, and organizations – both public and private – that have demonstrated exemplary leadership and action to improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and populations in the Fairfax Health District. The Fairfax Health District is defined as Fairfax County (including the incorporated towns of Clifton, Herndon and Vienna), Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church. The nomination period for the 2025 Awards will run until December 16. Visit Live Healthy Fairfax Awards for more information.

The Commission on Youth, a bipartisan legislative commission of the Virginia General Assembly, is conducting a study on how to improve Virginia’s special education dispute resolution system. The Commission retained the services of Special Education Solutions, LLC (SES), a leading expert in special education compliance, training, and dispute resolution to assist with this study and survey.

The Commission is seeking feedback from parents, agency professionals, attorneys, advocates, teachers and others.

Linked here is the Special Education Dispute Resolution Process Survey. This survey uses Google Forms. Some workplaces may not allow access to Google Forms. If that is the case, the survey respondent may need to access the survey from a home computer, library computer, or cell phone. The Commission encourages groups with members who have vision impairments or need a translation to assist those members in completing the survey. This survey closes tomorrow, November 22 at 3:00 p.m.

Join the Fairfax County Animal Shelter November 22-24 for their Senior Pet Adoption Event. Adoption fees will be waived for all cats and dogs 6 years or older, and you'll receive a $500 credit to Pender Veterinary Centre, thanks to the generous support of Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Senior pets offer love and tranquility to their families. They often enjoy a quieter lifestyle and are content to relax the day away. If you've been considering adding a wonderful senior pet to your family, visit their Michael R. Frey Campus in Fairfax or their Lorton Campus to meet all of their adoptable seniors. You can also view all adoptable pets online at Adopt | Animal Shelter.

Celebrate Fonts Books’ First Anniversary! Stop by for a slice of cake, fun festivities, and a chance to connect with fellow book lovers in the community. 

 Saturday, November 23 

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Fonts Books & Gifts 

6262b Old Dominion Drive 

McLean, VA 22101 

Get into the holiday spirit at the annual St. John the Beloved Christmas Bazaar. This year’s event promises something for everyone, including live music, food and drinks from the Knight's bar, a classic bake sale, and a raffle with items valued at over $75 (tickets are just $5 each). This donation-based, family-friendly event offers free admission. Learn more.

Saturday, November 23

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

St. John the Beloved Church

6428 Linway Terrace

McLean, VA 22101

Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Education trainings (REVIVE! trainings) help individuals learn what to do and not do in an overdose situation, how to administer naloxone, and what to do afterwards. This course is being provided online.

During this 60-minute virtual class, participants will learn:

• How to recognize the signs and symptoms of an opioid overdose.
• How to administer naloxone nasal spray to potentially reverse the effects of an opioid overdose.
• Other knowledge needed to fully respond to an opioid overdose emergency (what to do and not do).

Upon successful completion of the training, residents of Fairfax County and the Cities of Fairfax and Falls Church can receive a free box of naloxone upon request. Visit Virtual Opioid Overdose & Naloxone Education Training to register and access more information.

Monday, November 25

11:00 a.m.

The McLean Revitalization Corporation will host their Winterfest Parade on December 8. Join this event welcoming children, parents, businesses, and civic organizations to come together for a day filled with fun, community, and festive cheer.

The registration deadline for parade entrants is Tuesday, November 26. For questions about the parade, including how to sponsor, participate, or volunteer, please contact Winterfest 2024 Co-Chairs:

Barbara Zamora-Appel or Maria Foderaro-Guertin at mcleanwinterfestparade@gmail.com or visit The McLean Winterfest Parade webpage.

The Fairfax County Park Authority Board is considering fee adjustments for 2025. Community feedback is encouraged and can be submitted online until 4:30 p.m. on November 29. More than 60% of the funds required to operate Fairfax County’s park system – from camps and classes to facility, amenity and grounds – are generated through park fees. The Park Authority Board will review comments and vote on the changes at their December 11 meeting. Approved adjustments will take effect on January 1, 2025. Visit 2025 Park Fee Adjustments for more details and to submit feedback.

Come celebrate a Very Vintage Christmas at the Great Falls Grange and Historic School house with vintage holiday vendors, gift cards for local business including spy programs and art classes, schoolhouse holiday ornaments for sale, "Bag a Bunch " greens, mini Nutcracker performances on the stage by the Conservatory Ballet, a pop-up holiday bar and much more. Celebrate the Holiday Season, find unique gifts, support local and shop small business.  

Saturday, November 30

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Great Falls Grange

9818 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls, VA 22066

Friends of Tysons-Pimmit Library volunteers work daily at the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library to sort and clean donated books and media for resale at their Quarterly Used Book/Media Sales. They offer 15,000+ books in categories that include Cooking, History, Biographies, STEM, Culture, Fiction/Mystery/Sci-Fi, Self-help, Business, Hobbies, Religion, Classics, and many more. They also have books for children of all ages, as well as DVDs, CDs, and audio books. Most books are priced between $0.25 and $4. Proceeds benefit the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library and related activities.

Thursday, December 5

Friday, December 6

Saturday, December 7

Sunday, December 8

10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church, VA 22043

Experience seasonal cheer at this three-day indoor juried show featuring approximately 80 talented, regional artisans. For more than 40 years, this one-of-a-kind show has offered gifts for every budget including pottery, glass, jewelry, holiday decor, mixed media, fashion accessories, wood, fine art, artisanal foods, soap and more. Stroll to music as you shop and enjoy a beverage or lunch at the onsite café. Admission is $5, good for all three days of the show. Free admission for children 12 and under.

Show management is provided by the Northern Virginia Handcrafters Guild (NVHG). Founded in 1972, the NVHG, a 501(c)3 nonprofit community-based organization, is dedicated to helping artists and craftspeople exhibit and sell their work, promoting the development of arts and crafts in the community and supporting arts and crafts educational activities.

Friday, December 6, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Saturday, December 7, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, December 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean, VA 22101

The Fairfax County Park Authority is reopening the McLean Central Park Playground, and you're invited! Join Supervisor Bierman, The Fairfax County Park Foundation, and the McLean Central Playground team for a fun-filled celebration of the improved playground!

Saturday, December 7

9:00 a.m.

McLean Central Park Pavillion

1468 Dolley Madison Boulevard

McLean, VA 22101

Members of the community are warmly invited to attend a holiday-themed Open House at the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant in Lorton. 

With facility tours and hands-on family activities planned, the Open House will be a rare opportunity for Fairfax County residents to see the vast, intricate operations and infrastructure of the plant that are typically not open to the public. 

Saturday, December 7

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant

9399 Richmond Highway

Lorton, VA 22079

Join the Fairfax County Police Department and brighten a child’s day by donating new, unopened toys. While you enjoy your favorite hot drink, take a moment to spread kindness and make a difference in our community. Every gift goes to a local child in need!

Saturday, December 7

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

1st Floor of Target

2905 District Avenue

Fairfax, VA 22031

Greet Santa as he arrives on a fire truck, sing carols with the Herndon High School Band, and watch as Mayor Sheila Olem lights up the tree! Enjoy refreshments provided by Green Lizard Cycling and Northwest Federal Credit Union. 

They’re also collecting food donations to support the Cornerstones FREE from Hunger Center, which serves local pantries and feeding programs along the Dulles Corridor. Please consider bringing pantry staples like canned vegetables or fruit, instant potatoes, stuffing mix, flour, sugar, dessert mixes, and olive or canola oil.

Saturday, December 7

5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Herndon Town Hall Square

730 Eldon Street

Herndon, VA 20170

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 news and updates on 495 NEXT lane closures and project updates, 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

Construction efforts to rehabilitate the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) are underway between I-495 and Spout Run Parkway. Construction activities will impact drivers and park visitors for the duration of the rehabilitation.

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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