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Dear Neighbor, 

Happy FCPS Spring Break! If you are enjoying some down time close to home, I have a great suggestion that will give you a chance to explore, enjoy time with your friends or family, and get outdoors – take part in the 2025 Fairfax County Walk & Win Challenge!

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has created short walking loops for each district. The Dranesville loop is 1.75 miles and starts at the Spring Hill Recreation Center. If you walk the loop and submit a picture, you can be entered to win weekly prizes. You can walk as many loops as you want during a week and the more you walk, the more chances you will have to win prizes from area stores.

Even better, you will have a chance to compete for Dranesville because the Walk & Win Challenge is also a magisterial district competition. Unfortunately, Dranesville is not doing well so far – we are currently ranked eight of nine districts. We can’t have that!  

You can walk the loop multiple times for the competition – and please do! – but you may want to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26, and join members of my team and me outside of the Spring Hill Rec Center at 10:30am! Let’s walk and talk and improve our Dranesville ranking! 

As for this weekend, for all the Easter egg hunting enthusiasts out there, don’t forget this Saturday’s Hoppy Egg Hunting in Herndon or the egg hunt at Colvin Run Mill – details below. I’ll be out in Herndon with my kids and hope to see you there. 

Finally, looking ahead to next week, the Board of Supervisors will be holding FY 2026 Budget Public Hearings from April 22 through April 24. I’m looking forward to hearing the public testimony on the budget as we move towards the May 6 Board markup of the budget. 

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.

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Arc of Northern Virginia "A Life Like Yours" Breakfast

Menstrual Product Donation to She Believes in Me

40 Under 40 Reception

Accelerate Breakfast

American Association of University Women Meeting

County Executive Bryan Hill presented his FY 2026 Advertised Budget Plan at the February 18 meeting of the Board of Supervisors. This is just a proposal and was the beginning of a nearly three-month process that ends with the Board voting on a budget in May.

The Dranesville District hosted two Budget Town Halls. If you missed them, you can watch them here.

There are numerous ways to share your feedback about the FY 2026 Budget proposal. 

• Take the online survey.
• You can also provide input via email at FY26Budget@publicinput.com, or by calling 703-890-5898, and entering code 7574. 
• Budget public hearings are scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, April 22 to 24. To testify at a budget public hearing in person, by video or by phone, sign up at FY26 Budget Public Hearings. Call the Clerk to the Board’s Office at 703-324-3151 (TTY 711) or email clerktothebos@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information. 

Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and over 3,800 federal contractors. The Federal Workforce Resources Hub has been updated to help navigate current and future issues for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits and businesses who may be affected by actions, changes or disruptions to federal services or employment.

Key updates:

• Northern Virginia Regional Job Fair May 9
• NOVA Launches $1 Million Training Opportunity for Recently Unemployed Federal Workers and Contractors
• GWU Supports Federal Workforce Amid Downsizing with Tuition Discounts and Career Pivot Webinar
• Regional Council of Governments Launches Resources, Events and Data Site

April is Earth Month, a time to celebrate and honor our planet. In Fairfax County, there are many ways to get involved, from participating in local cleanups and tree plantings to learning attending the many upcoming community events. It's the perfect opportunity to take action, whether by reducing waste, conserving water, or supporting environmental initiatives. Visit Earth Month+ - Clean Fairfax for more information about events and resources.

On April 7, VDOT and FCDOT staff presented information about the 2025 Paving Program. Visit 2025 Paving Program to watch the meeting and view the presentation. You can also visit VDOT's 2025 paving map to see what roads are included in this year's repaving. Click on the road segment to see additional details of the repaving, including contact information for the project manager.

Throughout the month of April, FCPL is collecting donations of food for various nonprofit organizations. During this food drive, community members can drop off unexpired, commercially produced food items to any FCPL branch during regular hours. Visit this webpage to see which donation locations support which organizations.

Donations made to Great Falls Library and Herndon Fortnightly Library will support Cornerstones, who requests:

• Cooking oil
• Flour
• Pasta (all varieties)
• Pasta Sauce (plastic containers)
• Sugar

Donations made to Dolley Madison Library and Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library will support Food for Others, who requests:

• Canned fruit
• Canned meat (no tuna)
• Canned tomato products
• Canned spaghetti sauce
• Pasta (all varieties)

Composting is nature’s way of recycling, breaking down yard waste, food scraps, and other organic materials in a controlled process. In the wild, when a leaf falls to the forest floor, it is consumed and digested by various creatures like worms, insects, and microorganisms. Organic waste, including food waste, fruit and vegetable peels, and yard trimmings, is biodegradable, meaning it breaks down easily over time. Many people turn this waste into compost, which enriches their gardens by improving soil porosity and reducing the need for frequent watering. Fairfax County residents have several composting options, from home composting to curbside collection or drop-off at local facilities and farmers markets. By participating, you’re helping to create a cleaner, safer environment for all. For more information on how to get started, visit Composting Organic Waste.

The Dranesville District office, located at 1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean, 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. 

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a public meeting to discuss the implementation of a Time-of-Day Turn Restriction on Dead Run Drive and Carper Street through the Cut-Through Traffic Program. Task Force members from the local neighborhood of Dead Run Drive and Carper Street have worked with Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Fairfax County to develop this solution to reduce the volume of cut-through traffic on Dead Run Drive and Carper Street. The proposal would restrict left turns onto Georgetown Pike from Dead Run Drive during the hours of 4:00 PM-7:00 PM Monday - Friday. This proposal has been voted on by residents within the Primary Use Area and has obtained sufficient community support. If the proposal is implemented, during the restricted time non-local and non-permitted local traffic will be restricted from making a left turn onto Georgetown Pike from Dead Run Drive. The purpose of this meeting is to explain the proposal, receive feedback, and answer any questions or concerns that citizens may have. Representatives of the Supervisor Bierman's office, FCDOT and VDOT will attend and answer any questions during the Q&A Session.

For more information, including how to join the meeting, please visit Dead Run Drive Cut-Through Meeting.

Wednesday, May 14

6:30 p.m.

Hop into spring with a delightful morning at the Hoppy Egg Hunting event! Kids will enjoy:

• An exciting egg hunt tailored by age group.
• Games, arts and crafts, and music starting at 9:30 am.
• A special photo opportunity with the Bunny—don’t forget your camera!

Additional Details:

• Bring a basket for egg collection and wear your best egg-hunting shoes!
• This event will be held rain or shine.
• Advance registration is strongly recommended to secure your spot.

Visit Hoppy Egg Hunting for more information.

Saturday, April 19

9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Bready Park

814 Ferndale Avenue

Herndon

Hunt for eggs filled with treats and treasures on the grounds of Colvin Run Mill Historic Site. The event is intended for children from two to nine years old, with hunts separated by age group. Before the hunt, make egg-cellent crafts to take home. Bring your own basket. The program will be held rain or shine. Sessions are available starting at 11 a.m. Register here.

Saturday, April 19

11:00 a.m.

Colvin Run Mill

10017 Colvin Run Road

Great Falls

Join Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) for a virtual community forum to identify systemic gaps in service and/or barriers Fairfax County residents with disabilities face with accessible transportation. Visit this webpage to learn more and register.

Monday, April 21

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

We are collecting formal clothing for Herndon High School’s Paige’s Closet – a place for students to shop for free for their prom.

The school will take gently used and clean clothing including:

• dresses of all sizes and lengths
• ladies’ shoes
• purses
• jewelry -- necklaces, bracelets, and new pairs of earrings
• tuxedos
• men’s suits
• men’s shoes

We are also collecting Herndon High School red graduation gowns and caps.

Please drop off all donations to the Dranesville District Supervisor's Office (1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean) during normal business hours before 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23.

Join the Safe Community Coalition (SCC) for Turning Setbacks into Success with author Michelle Icard. Based on her recent book, "8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success", the talk helps parents know when to step in or step back as kids navigate challenges like friendship struggles, rule-breaking, and self-doubt. With 20+ years in education and parenting research, Icard shares insights with humor and empathy. This event is ideal for parents & caregivers of kids in grades 3–12. Tickets: $15 pre-sale / $20 at the door. Proceeds will benefit SCC. Book sale and signing follows the talk.

Wednesday, April 23

7:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center Alden Theatre

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

Join the Senior Safety Summit, hosted by the McLean Citizens Association, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Fairfax County Police Department and the McLean Community Center. This informative event will cover key topics to enhance the safety and well-being of seniors in our community. Don't miss this opportunity to stay informed and engaged in keeping our senior community safe!

Wednesday, April 23

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue

McLean

The Tysons Community Alliance is partnering with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) to host an open house and share updates on important studies and improvements to the trails, bike lanes, transit services, and highways in and around Tysons. This is a great opportunity to meet the project teams and share your ideas with other transportation enthusiasts to share your ideas. Let's work together to transform how we move around Tysons - step by step, ride by ride. Join the TCA in creating a vibrant urban transportation network where it is easy to Walk, Bike, or Roll to Explore Tysons.

Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and help shape the future of mobility in our community!

NOTE: This free event is open to 21+ guests only.

For questions about the event or transportation projects in Tysons, please email transportation@tysonsva.org. Visit Tysons Transportation Open House to reserve a spot.

Thursday, April 24

5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

1640 Capital One Drive

Tysons

Fairfax County public safety agencies, in collaboration with the Arc of Northern Virginia and the Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing, are partnering to host the Fairfax County Unified Response Day: Bridging First Responders and All Abilities—a unique event designed to promote safety, confidence, and preparedness for individuals with disabilities and access and functional needs.

This hands-on, interactive experience gives individuals with disabilities and their families the opportunity to engage with first responders in a safe, low-pressure setting. Participants will practice real-world scenarios like traffic stops, car accidents, medical emergencies, and fire rescues, helping both community members and first responders better understand and support each other. For more information, including how to register, visit this webpage.

Saturday, April 26

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

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Academy

4600 West Ox Road

Fairfax

Join Supervisor Jimmy Bierman and your Dranesville neighbors for a special community walk as part of the 2025 Walk & Win Challenge! This fun, energizing walk is a great chance to enjoy the spring weather, connect with neighbors, and get your steps in alongside your local supervisor. We will meet outside the Spring Hill Rec Center and begin the loop from there. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Submissions can be made by either scanning the QR code on the route and entering online or sharing a photo from your walk on social media with #WalkWinFX. Let’s walk together and show that Dranesville is stepping up!

Friday, April 26

10:30 a.m.

Spring Hill Rec Center

1239 Spring Hill Road

McLean

Drug take back programs are a safe method for disposing of prescription drugs, and are organized and closely monitored by local, state, and federal government agencies. Safe disposal of unused or expired medications prevents drug misuse and accidental poisoning and protects the environment. Take advantage of free, convenient, confidential, and safe disposal of unused or expired medications during Drug Take Back Day April 26: drop off unused or expired medications at the McLean District Police Station (1437 Balls Hill Road, McLean), or at other drop-off locations listed on this webpage.

Accepted items: Prescription and non-prescription pills, e-cigarettes and vaping devices with batteries removed, small liquid packs/pods for e-cigarettes and vaping devices, prescription ointments, and medications for pets.

Not accepted: Illegal drugs, pressurized canisters [inhalers/aerosol cans], needles, large sources of liquids, and non-prescription ointments and lotions.

Saturday, April 26

10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Discover the world around you with hands-on activities, games, entertainment and fun at Earth Day 2025. Admission is free; parking is $10 per car at the gate. Visit this webpage for more information about the various programs and activities that will be there.

Saturday, April 26

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

Sully Historic Site

3650 Historic Sully Way

Chantilly

Join AARP Virginia and Fairfax County’s Silver Shield Anti-Scam Campaign to learn more about how to protect yourself from scammers and how to protect older adults from fraud, abuse, and exploitation. 

Wednesday, April 30

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

Northern Virginia Community College

Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center

8430 Center Drive

Annandale

Residents of Great Falls are invited to join the Reston District Police and the Great Falls Citizens Association to discuss local concerns and issues.

Thursday, May 1

5:00 p.m.

Fire Station 12

9916 Georgetown Pike

Great Falls

Fairfax County Park Authority operates ten farmers markets across Fairfax County. The mission of the Fairfax County Farmers Markets is to provide residents access to locally grown products and create market opportunities for area farmers and food producers. The Dranesville Farmers Markets are opening soon!

• Herndon Farmers Market:

Thursday, May 1

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

765 Lynn Street

Herndon

• McLean Farmers Market:

Friday, May 2

8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

1659 Chain Bridge Road

McLean

Friends of Runnymede Park are sponsoring a Native Plant Sale. Plants will be provided by Watermarks Woods Nursery and Seven Bends Nursery. Friends of Runnymede Park is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This sale supports Naturefest, an annual event in Runnymede Park, and other educational and park maintenance efforts of Friends of Runnymede Park.

Saturday, May 3

9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Runnymede Park

195 Herndon Parkway

Herndon

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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