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Dear Neighbor, 

It’s been another exciting week in the Dranesville District office! You may have seen on social media or in FFXnow that this week’s Board Meeting and last week’s Legislative Committee Meetings were particularly busy ones for us – see, e.g., here, here, here, here, and here – but before touching on some of those items, I’d like to provide you an update on another office initiative: improving the infill development process for neighbors to, among other things, try to preserve and protect more trees. 

As you’ll recall, last year I worked with Supervisor Stork, from the Mount Vernon District, on a Board Matter directing staff to study infill development and identify opportunities for improvement. This effort was prompted by the many conversations I’ve had with Dranesville residents, who feel more needs to be done to protect our tree canopy. While the County’s power with respect to by-right, single-family home development on private property is limited, we hoped we could identify some positive steps to take.  

Over the past year, the Tree Commission (composed of community members from across the County) and County staff worked together to understand some of the barriers to preserving mature trees on residential infill lots and to identify potential policy or process improvements. This effort included engagement of Tree Commission members, arborists, site contractors, and the development community. You can read a memo from the County Executive outlining this effort here and the Tree Commission’s Infill Development Findings and Recommendations here. I’m pleased to report that this work has resulted in practical steps the County will be taking to protect more trees in the County. 

The first notable recommendation that will be implemented is for County review staff to formalize the process of closely coordinating with submitting engineers and builders on the location of onsite stormwater facilities, with a focus on tree preservation. Frequently these facilities require the removal of trees but staff have found that early engagement with builders would allow consideration of feasible alternatives such as shifting utilities, adjusting grading limits, and minimizing staging areas. While some of this work has occurred informally in the past, it will now be incorporated into review checklists that will ensure consistent application.  

Secondly, the County will encourage property owners to participate in the early stages of the site review process. Designs are still easily adjusted at this stage and present an opportunity for owners to learn about site layouts that may result in more tree preservation. This is a voluntary step property owners could take and the hope is that they will learn about best practices that they can review with their consultants or contractors.  

Thirdly, the County has launched a “Good Neighbor” Guide with information for residents with information about the development process and rules that are in place to protect offsite trees. The guide also includes information about how to obtain copies of development plans, links to the Tree Ordinance, and other helpful resources. The more informed residents are about the process and rules, the more we can work to protect our trees. 

Additionally, County staff have identified two opportunities to enhance our already-strong Tree Conservation Ordinance. The first proposal is to modify the recommended tree species list to better reflect climate resilient species, with a priority on native species. This change will be used in cases where new trees will be planted and will ensure that what is planted will be better suited to a warmer climate. Staff will also consider adjusting the credit system used to promote tree preservation to incorporate tree size to reward preservation. Presently, a similar credit multiplier approach is being successfully used to incentivize preservation of healthy native trees. Staff will bring these changes to the Board for consideration in the near future.  

It’s also worth noting one other intriguing recommendation for Board consideration from the Tree Commission. The Commission suggests that we strengthen, publicize, and streamline the application process for existing heritage tree protections and incentives (Chapter 120), which is a program that allows certain trees to be put into conservation easements on properties. While staff has expressed some concerns about the administrability of this program and how often such easements will be used, I am open to exploring this idea for landowners who wish to make such a commitment.  

This work would not have been realized without the great work of County staff in the Land Development Services, Forest Conservation, Site Inspections, the Department of Code Compliance, Environmental Compliance and Enforcement, and the Department of Planning and Development. Kudos to them and a special thanks to the Tree Commission, including Barbara Ryan, the Dranesville representative on the commission, for their work in leading this effort. I think these changes will go a long way to addressing community concerns about tree canopy loss related to infill development. 

Shifting gears, I want to highlight a couple of snow-related items from Tuesday’s Board meeting. While this year’s snow removal efforts seem to be a marked improvement over the big storm last January, there are still opportunities for additional improvement. First, the Board directed the County Executive to work with Volunteer Fairfax to develop a program that partners volunteers with disabled or senior individuals who may need assistance with snow removal on their property. My hope is that this type of volunteer program could improve the condition of sidewalks that are so important to making it easier for students to walk to school or their bus stop. Second, the Board committed to compiling and sending questions about snow removal efforts to VDOT, FCPS and County agencies responsible for snow removal in an effort to improve snow removal efforts in the future. Given my role as Chair of the Board’s Transportation Committee and in partnership with Supervisor Herrity, who brought the Board Matter up for consideration and accepted my friendly amendments, my office is handling that effort. (You can watch a full discussion of this effort starting around 3:22:50 here.) If we do not get sufficient answers, our plan is to hold another Transportation Committee meeting on the topic like last year’s. 

As alluded to above, we had a bunch of other things going on, too, on Tuesday and last Friday that I want to put on your radar, including passing a Board Matter supporting efforts to improve and replace the American Legion Bridge, celebrating Kerrie Wilson’s incredible service at Cornerstones, continuing our push for VDOT reform to help build more necessary housing, and discussing bills in Richmond aimed at addressing ICE abuses. 

My team says that I really need to start cutting down on the length of these newsletters and I’ll try next week, but I just want to close with a quick note about last Saturday morning, which exemplifies why I love my job and have such admiration for this community. It was cold Saturday; by 10:15 a.m. I had the opportunity to meet with more than 100 community members who were dedicating their time to helping others. I started my day by dropping by Immanuel Presbyterian Church in McLean where, thanks to church for offering space, dozens of people were taking part in Tier 1 Sexual Violence Training with the Fairfax County Department of Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and learning how to help victims and survivors of sexual violence. From there, I went out to Floris Methodist Church in Herndon where the Rotary Clubs of Herndon and Great Falls were joining to pack 15,000 meals for the Cornerstones Free from Hunger food pantry. Again, dozens of volunteers dedicating part of their Saturday to helping others. Mornings like that make me incredibly proud of our community, honored to represent you, and grateful that I’m in a position to know about and highlight such good work. Thank you for all you do! 

And with that, I’m finally done. Stay safe and maybe I’ll see you around this weekend (like at the Great Falls Talent Show on Saturday!).  

All the best,

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Jimmy in the Community

Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) Training

Meal Packing Event at Floris Methodist United Church

Lunar New Year Celebration at Dolley Madison Library

February is Black History Month, a time to honor, celebrate, and reflect on the profound impact Black Americans have had on our nation’s history, culture, and progress. This month reminds us of the struggles endured, the achievements made, and the ongoing journey toward equality and justice. Now more than ever, it is important to pause and recognize these contributions, learn from the past, and continue working toward a more equitable future. 

This month, explore stories, landmarks, and events that highlight African American heritage in the DC area: Celebrate Black History Month Near DC | FXVA.

Read on for other upcoming Black History Month events in the County and in the Dranesville District.

The Virginia Department of Health is reporting a confirmed case of measles in an adult resident of Northern Virginia. To protect the patient’s privacy, VDH will not provide any additional information about the patient. Health officials are coordinating an effort to identify people who might have been exposed.

Listed below are the dates, times, and locations of the potential exposure sites in Virginia:

• The Ian Apartment Complex, located at 2249 Woodland Grove Place in Herndon, any time between Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 31.
• Kumo Sushi, located at 2338 Woodland Crossing Drive in Herndon, between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday, January 24.
• Target, located at 12197 Sunset Hills Road in Reston, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday, January 25.
• Harris Teeter, located at 12960 Highland Crossing Drive in Herndon, between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Sunday, January 25.
• Fairfax County Animal Shelter – West Ox Campus, located at 4500 West Ox Road in Fairfax, between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday, January 31.

Any additional exposure sites identified in Virginia will be posted to the VDH Measles website. Learn more here.

Arrowbrook Centre was the first residential community in Virginia to earn the prestigious Best Workplaces for Commuters - Residential Site designation. This recognition for offering outstanding transportation options and amenities to Arrowbrook Centre residents comes from the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida and aims to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips and promote sustainable commuting. 

Arrowbrook Centre was recognized for:

• Having on site amenities that reduce trips.
• Its close proximity to the Innovation Center Metro station.
• Providing a commuter info kiosk to residents.
• Promoting ride matching and the Guaranteed Ride Home program.
• Engaging DATA Mobility Partners as its transportation management association.

Read the full Best Workplace for Commuters 2026 list here.

Affordable Housing Pre-Development in Herndon

The Fairfax County Police Department has created a portal for community members to track crime statistics. Here, you'll find a wealth of information and insights into law enforcement activities in Fairfax County. This platform offers transparent access to various datasets, including incident statistics and demographic analyses. Explore trends, patterns and community safety metrics to better understand FCPD's efforts in ensuring public security and fostering trust within the community. Visit this webpage to access FCPod.org.

Free Emergency Preparedness Training with CERT

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is offering eight free emergency preparedness training classes to help you prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies—ranging from everyday incidents to large-scale disasters. 

In the 207 class, participants will learn essential skills that can save lives while waiting for advanced help to arrive. You'll also gain practical knowledge to protect yourself, your family, and your community during emergencies. Plus, attendees receive a backpack with basic emergency supplies to keep! 

Anyone aged 18 years or older may attend without restriction, 16 & 17 year-olds require written parental permission (Fairfax County Hold Harmless Form), and 13 to 15 year-olds require adult guardian or parent participation in the class. 

Schedule: Seven Thursday evenings, February 12–March 19, 2026, plus a final exercise on Saturday, March 28 (eight sessions total). 

Time: 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (arrive by 6:45 p.m.); final exercise 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

Locations: Lorton VFD (six sessions), Greater Springfield VFD (March 19), and Lorton Workhouse Arts Center (final exercise). 

For more information and registration details please visit this webpage. 

The Walk for Peace is a 120-day, 2,300-mile journey by Buddhist monks walking from Fort Worth, TX, to Washington, D.C. to raise awareness of inner peace and mindfulness across America and the world.

The Walk for Peace will be passing through Fairfax County this upcoming weekend, February 7-8. While timing is approximate, it is expected the monks will make their way along Route 1 and will arrive at Chua Hoa Nghiem (9111 Backlick Road, Fort Belvoir) at 10 a.m. on Sunday, February 8. There they will rest and share a communal lunch, followed by a formal ceremony at approximately noon. They plan to stay at the temple until 3 p.m. before continuing their journey toward Washington, D.C.

You can view a live map of the monks’ progress here. Learn about the Walk for Peace and its journey via their official Facebook page.

Whether you are a beginner or an expert, love snacks or want to get your hands dirty with some paint, come on down to MCC for their Snack & Paint Night. Led by a professional art teacher, you will be able to create your own masterpiece with your family while having tons of fun doing so. All materials and snacks are included in the $10 fee. For more information and to register, please visit Snack & Paint Night – McLean Center.

Friday, February 6

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

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Feb. 7: Lunar New Year Celebration

Feb. 7: Black History Month at Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House

In honor of Black History Month, the Frying Pan Baptist Meeting House will be open Saturday, February 7 and February 21 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Interpretive signage will be posted throughout the site for guests to read about the Black history of the Meeting House and stories of the people from the community. Stay for just a few minutes or a couple hours. Registration is free but required to attend. 

Saturday, February 7

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Frying Pan Farm Park

2709 West Ox Road

Herndon

Feb. 7: Tech Tutoring at Dolley Madison Library

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

Saturday, February 7

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

Meeting Room 2

Dolley Madison Library

1244 Oak Ridge Avenue

McLean

Feb. 7: Great Falls Talent Show

Don’t miss the first annual “Great Falls Got Talent” talent show at the Great Falls Grange! Come out for an evening of fun and entertainment as talented members of the community showcase their skills. The exact schedule is to be announced. For more information, please visit Talent Show | Great Falls Optimist.

Saturday, February 7

1:00 p.m.

Great Falls Grange

9818 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

In February, FCPL is celebrating America’s 250th anniversary by focusing on African American History and Civic Impact.

Local author M.J. O’Brien will discuss his latest book The Tougaloo Nine: The Jackson Library Sit-In at the Crossroads of Civil War and Civil Rights.

The Tougaloo Nine explores the dramatic three-day period in March 1961, when nine students from historically Black Tougaloo College staged sit-ins at the all-White Main Library in Jackson, Mississippi. This book presents the stunning picture of those who risked their lives and future livelihoods to fight for full social and political equality.

Books will be available for purchase at the event. This event is intended for teens and adults. Please register here.

Saturday, February 7

3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Library Meeting Rooms 1 & 2

7584 Leesburg Pike

Falls Church

Feb. 9, 17 & 23: Black History Month Scavenger Hunt at Herndon Fortnightly Library

Stop by the Information Desk to do a scavenger hunt about Black heroes in history and win a small prize!

February 9, 17, & 23

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

Herndon Fortnightly Library

768 Center Street

Herndon

The Safe Community Coalition would like to invite you to their FREE monthly parent discussion group facilitated by licensed mental health professionals.

This month’s topic is Game On, Calm On: Helping Your Child Conquer Sports Anxiety. Learn insights from sports psychologists to help your children and teenagers regulate anxiety in competitive sports. The discussion will focus on topics such as identifying sources of sports-related anxiety, fostering a supportive and healthy athletic mindset, developing coping mechanisms, and promoting resilience and enjoyment in youth sports. The aim is to equip parents with the tools to support their child's emotional well-being and optimize their performance. For more information and to register, please visit Game On, Calm On: Helping Your Child Conquer Sports Anxiety.

Thursday, February 12

7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Want to be more involved with the McLean District Station Fairfax County Police Department? Consider joining their Community Advisory Committee (CAC).

CACs enhance communication between residents and the FCPD and offer residents a chance to dialogue with members of their local police districts. For more information regarding your local police district's CAC meetings, click here.

This month's meeting for the McLean District Station will cover parking enforcement.

Thursday, February 13

7:00 p.m.

Community Room

McLean Governmental Center

1437 Balls Hill Road

McLean

Join Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) for coffee, donuts and bicycle safety giveaways as we celebrate winter commuting in the DMV!

Pit stop locations:

• The Bike Lane, 11150 Sunset Hills Road, Reston
• The Mount Vernon Trail at Belle Haven Park, 6401 George Washington Memorial Pkwy, Alexandria

Email FCDOT to let them know you're coming!

Friday, February 13

7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

*Inclement weather date: February 20*

Celebrate Alma Thomas, the first African-American woman to be included in the White House's permanent art collection! Paint a replica or paint in Alma's colorful style. Registration is encouraged, not required. This program is intended for children ages 6 - 11.

Tuesday, February 17

6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Great Falls Library Meeting Room

9830 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

Join Amy Burk of TechWise Coaching for an essential session exploring how technology can enhance your everyday independence. Discover practical tools and tips to save time, reduce stress, and increase convenience, ultimately boosting your tech confidence. 

Topics to be covered include: 

• Transportation & Travel: Using ride-sharing, parking, and travel applications. 
• Convenience & Delivery: Ordering groceries, pharmacy items, and restaurant meals via apps or QR codes.
• Entertainment: Accessing entertainment & food at the movie theater using technology and ordering event tickets online.

Bring your phone, tablet, or computer for hands-on practice. This lesson is designed for all devices. Registration required at Seniors in Action – McLean Center.

Wednesday, February 18

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

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Sponsored by the Black History Month Committee, the Fairfax County community is invited to join County leaders for a celebration.

Refreshments and networking starts at 5 p.m. The program starts at 5:30 p.m.

Enjoy local entertainment, resource tables, enlightening speakers and light refreshments with your neighbors! Learn more here.

Friday, February 20

5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax

Fairfax County Employment Services, in collaboration with The SkillSource Group, Inc. and Virginia Career Works – Northern, invites you to attend the Future Forward: Federal Talent Transition Career Fair on Thursday, February 26, 2026. This event aims to connect local employers with highly skilled professionals affected by recent changes in the federal workforce. Register for free by visiting this webpage.

Thursday, February 26

1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Fairfax County Government Center

12000 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax

African Americans' labor, experience, and knowledge were crucial to 19th-century grist milling. Explore a historic mill as you discuss the contributions of African American millers in Fairfax County. This program links to the VA250 and Fairfax 250 commemoration. Those aged 14 and above can register for $10.

Saturday, February 28

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

Colvin Run Mill

10017 Colvin Run Road

Great Falls

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

While the new 495 Express Lanes northern extension lanes have opened, construction of the new Beltway bridges at Georgetown Pike, as well as other finishing work throughout the corridor, will continue into 2026. Another key project element that will be completed in 2026 includes a shared-use path parallel to I-495 from Lewinsville Road to near Live Oak Drive. Lane closures during non-peak travel times will continue to be necessary for crews to safely complete these important project components. Final project completion is anticipated to occur by mid-2026.

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

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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