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Dear Neighbor,

It’s that time of year again … McLean Day is back! If you are new to the area or haven’t been in the past, McLean Day is produced by the McLean Community Center and is a wonderful event that draws approximately 10,000 people for rides, music, food, games, exhibits (including a Dranesville Supervisor tent – stop by and see us!) and lots of fun activities for kids including balloon animals, a magician, a petting zoo, and more. Friday evening (from 2pm – 10pm) is your chance to enjoy the carnival rides and games before the festival. And Saturday is the big day! You can also vote in the McLean Community Center Governing Board Election on either Friday, May 17, from 4pm to 8pm or on Saturday, May 18, from 11am to 5pm. You can learn more about the candidates here.

McLean Day will be held at Lewinsville Park, 1659 Chain Bridge Road. See below for details, including information about the convenient shuttle buses. It’s a great community celebration and I hope to see you there! 

I also want to take a moment to recognize that May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and celebrate the many contributions and diverse cultures and histories of Americans of Asian and Pacific descent. Asian and Pacific Islanders make up over twenty percent of Fairfax County’s population and help make our County such an amazing place to live. If you want to learn more about some of these diverse cultures, check out book recommendations for kids, teens and adults or attend one of these upcoming library events. Fairfax County has also launched a Korean-language Instagram account – please share it with anyone who might be interested. 

Hope to see you out and about this weekend!  

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

NAIOP Bus Tour

Chesterbrook Woods Civic Association Meeting

Invasive Management Area Work Day at Great Falls Grange

Chairman's Spring Social

On May 9, 2024, Volunteer Fairfax held its Volunteer Service Awards – a community-wide celebration of volunteerism to recognize those who generously give their time and talents to improve our community. Each Supervisor had the opportunity to select a Community Champion who has made a difference in their district.

Supervisor Bierman was thrilled to name Angie Guevara as the 2024 Dranesville Community Champion. Ms. Guevara has contributed countless hours to support children, families and her Herndon community through her work with Reston Strong, McLean Bible Church, Herndon Winter Market, the Lake Homes recreation committee and more. Read more about Ms. Guevara’s contributions. We are lucky to have her in Dranesville!

The first ever Herndon PRIDE event will be held on Saturday, June 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Arts Herndon Lawn. Join us for this family-friendly event that will include music, food trucks, and more!

Saturday, June 8 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Arts Herndon Lawn

750 Center St, Herndon

Stay tuned for more information!

When natural disasters or catastrophes strike and buildings collapse, specialized teams of highly trained rescuers are called to save lives. Virginia Task Force One members (VA-TF1) are at the forefront of this critical work staffed by our Fire and Rescue Department.

Jeff Lewis, a battalion chief with our Fire and Rescue Department, shared insights about the vital work of VA-TF1 and urban search and rescue operations in a recent webinar hosted by the Department of Emergency Management and Security.

To learn more about VA-TF1 and how to be prepared for emergencies, watch the webinar above or visit here.

The Department of Family Services offers a variety of community newsletters.

Access Fairfax shares news, resources, and events for people with disabilities in the County.

Career Resources includes information on job leads, upcoming webinars, and employment events.

Foster Family is a monthly newsletter that shares resources and experiences relevant to foster and adoptive parents, children in care, and the resource workers who support them.

The Golden Gazette covers a variety of topics concerning older adults and caregivers in the County.

Parenting Resources is a monthly newsletter with parenting information and resources.

The quarterly newsletter The Update covers helpful information and topics for persons receiving long-term care services and their caregivers. 

The Volunteer Post Newsletter provides a glimpse into the many ways to get involved in making a difference and supporting families in our community.

The Volunteer Voices Newsletter is for current and potential Domestic and Sexual Violence Services (DSVS) volunteers.  

Call for Nominations

Now is the time to nominate a person, business or organization who deserves recognition for the work they do to protect our environment for a 2024 Environmental Excellence Award.

Each year, the Environmental Excellence Awards recognize the best examples of leadership and service to protect and enhance the natural world in Fairfax County. The awards celebrate accomplishments by individual county residents, organizations, businesses, and county employees who do one or more of the following:

• Advance or support the county’s environmental goals and policies
• Dedicate personal time and expertise beyond normal fiscal or civic responsibilities
• Demonstrate leadership, acting as role models for other

The awards are administered by the Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) on behalf of the Board of Supervisors with support from the Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC). Nominees’ achievements should have occurred between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, or over a period of years that include a portion of this time frame. To submit a nomination, complete the online form by June 9, 2024.

Learn more about the awards and see past winners.

Call for Nominations

The Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards program honors youth, coaches and parents for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Instituted by the Fairfax County Athletic Council, this program aims to support the tradition of amateur athletics in cultivating teamwork, leadership, good sportsmanship and community service.

Awards are presented to a male and female athlete, coach and parent in each supervisory district for having demonstrated extraordinary service in the athletic community while modeling the basic traits of good character: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Citizenship and Fairness.

How to Nominate:

• Submit the online nomination in its entirety and click "Submit" when finished; or
• Submit a printed nomination by printing and completing the Nomination Application. Return the application with the requested 150-200 word nomination narrative to Neighborhood and Community Services
• By mail: 12011 Government Center Parkway, 10th Floor, Fairfax, VA 22035; or
• By fax: 703-324-5546

Nominations are due by August 1, 2024.

For more information, visit the Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards website.

Emergencies like natural disasters, power outages and extreme weather events can happen at any time. As a pet owner, being prepared for emergencies is crucial to keeping your pets safe.

The Fairfax County Department of Emergency Management and Security has put together different ways you can makes sure your pets are ready for anything.

Have an Emergency Kit for Your Pets

Your emergency kit should include:

• Food and water
• First aid kit
• Collar with an ID tag, harness, and leash
• Crate or pet carrier
• Litter box and litter
• Pet sanitation supplies

Plan for Pet Friendly Accommodations

• Identify pet-friendly hotels outside of your immediate area.
• Ask friends or relatives if they can shelter your pets in an emergency.
• Look into boarding facilities that are available for emergency stays.

Learn more about how you can best prepare by visiting here.

Police Leaders of Tomorrow is a program for young adults wishing to explore careers in law enforcement and learn about policing.

Police Leaders of Tomorrow offers a variety of activities and opportunities for attendees to learn about the police profession, the importance of service to the community, and maintaining good character.

You will learn about crime scene investigation, K-9 demonstration, crisis intervention and de-escalation and so much more! Classes will be held Monday through Friday June 24 to June 28 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applications are due by May 29, 2024.

For more information, please call 703-246-3332 or email CPA@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Embrace your creativity and showcase the beauty of Herndon by participating in the Annual Town Calendar Competition! It's an exciting opportunity to capture the essence of the town and potentially have your work featured in the Town calendar. Don't miss out on this chance to share your unique perspective with the community.

Submit your entries before June 3 to info@artsherndon.org and let your photography skills shine!

For more information, visit the Arts Herndon webpage.

Bike to Work Day is tomorrow, Friday, May 17. There are more than 100 pit stops in DC, MD, and VA for this free event or a fun and healthy way to start your day. The first 16,000 who register and attend at a pit stop receive a free t-shirt. Free giveaways, food, and beverages at participating locations, while supplies last.

Pit Stops in Dranesville:

Herndon Innovation Center

Hosted by Fairfax County Department of Transportation

6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Metro Station South

13747-A Sunrise Valley Dr, Herndon

Herndon at Town Hall Green

Hosted by the Town of Herndon

6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Town Hall Green

Intersection of Lynn and Elden St, Herndon

The Fairfax County Commission for Women (Commission) invites you to join them for a panel discussion on the health and well-being of women and girls in Fairfax County. The Commission plans to spotlight some key findings in the recently released report “The Status of Women and Girls in Fairfax County, Virginia.” The Commission hopes to engage with the community and welcomes recommendations that would create positive change in the health of women and girls in Fairfax County.

Friday, May 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.

12000 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax

Conference Room 9/10

Read here for the full report and read here for the executive summary. Register now!

To kick off McLean Day on Saturday, May 18, the McLean Community Center will be having carnival rides at Lewinsville Park on Friday, May 17. Come enjoy the rides and games on Friday before the festival! Ride tickets sold onsite and online.

Friday, May 17 from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Lewinsville Park

1659 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean

Visit the event page for more information.

Come to McLean’s biggest annual festival! Great music, gourmet food trucks, games, 100+ exhibitors, sponsors, giveaways, balloon animals, magician, petting zoo, amusements, large and small carnival rides and much more! Ride tickets sold onsite and in advance online.

Saturday, May 18 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Lewinsville Park

1659 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean

Please Note: Parking is not available at Lewinsville Park on the day of the festival. Patrons can take free Fairfax Connector shuttles from the McLean Metrorail Station and three satellite locations to McLean Day. Free shuttle buses will run from the parking sites to the park starting at 10:25 a.m. and running through 6 p.m.

Satellite Routes are as follows:

• Red - McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Rd, McLean, VA 22101, McLean, VA 22101. Patrons should meet the buses at the church entrance in the parking lot.
• Yellow - McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean VA 22101. Patrons should meet at the main entrance of the Center where signage is indicated.
• Blue – Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Rd., McLean, VA 22101. Patrons should meet the buses at the church entrance in the parking lot.

Patrons can also take Fairfax Connector Route 721 to stop ID 5429 for just $2 each way. All Fairfax Connector Shuttles to McLean Day are air-conditioned, ADA and wheelchair accessible, have low floor ramps or are lift-equipped. They also have two bike racks and allow service animals.

Visit the McLean Day Festival event page for more details.

Celebrate AANHPI month! Children and their caregivers participate in music, movement, storytelling, and play in this program that promotes early literacy skills.

Saturday, May 18 from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls

Registration is not required, but encouraged.

Are you ready to make a splash this summer? Herndon Parks & Recreation is here to ensure your water adventures are not only fun, but safe too.

Join them on Saturday, May 18 for a session on essential swimming safety techniques like floating, rolling, and safe entries into the pool, topped with some fun jumping activities. It is the perfect opportunity to kick-start your children's pool safety skills just in time for summer! For ages 5 to 8. Register here.

Saturday, May 18 from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Herndon Community Center

814 Ferndale Ave, Herndon

Help shape the future of Northern Virginia's transportation network!

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is a regional organization that develops the long-range transportation plan for Northern Virginia. With a priority to reduce congestion, NVTA uses performance-based criteria to evaluate and fund regionally significant multimodal transportation projects. NVTA is inviting public input on the 24 candidate projects as part of the FY2024-2029 Six Year Program (SYP). Nine Northern Virginia localities and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) have submitted project applications, seeking regional funding from NVTA. These projects, totaling nearly $1 billion in funding requests, encompass a range of transportation modes, such as transit, rail, roadway enhancements, transportation technology, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades, as well as intersection and interchange improvements.

The public is invited to comment on the 24 SYP candidate projects during the public comment period now through May 19, 2024, closing at 11:59 p.m. Visit the Feedback Form. Be sure to check out the FY2024-2029 SYP Webpage for regular updates and information.

Join Tysons-Pimmit in a guided Kusudama origami session! You'll also learn a little about Kusudama origami flower origins and its significance in Japanese culture. Recommended for ages 13 to 18 years. Learn more here.

Monday, May 20 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

May 20: What to Expect When Allocated a Developmental Disabilities Waiver - Orientation

Virginia is in the process of expanding funding to provide services for those individuals on the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver (often referred to as DD Waiver) Priority One Wait List. The goal is to provide significantly more waiver slots for Virginians with developmental disability so that they can receive services and supports to improve their and their families’ lives and wellbeing.

Community orientations for individuals and their families to gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the DD Waiver process are being offered over the coming months.

Join the Community Services Board (CSB) on Monday, May 20 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for one of their upcoming orientations hosted via Zoom. Find additional information on the dedicated Developmental Disabilities Waivers Updates page. Contact CSBDDWaiverSupport@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information.

Join the Office of Environmental and Energy and Coordination on May 21 at 12:30 p.m. for "Spring into Savings: How to Fund Your Energy Efficiency Goals" presented by Dominion Energy, Fairfax County, and TRC.

In this webinar, you’ll hear about resources available to your business from Fairfax County's OEEC and their Green Business Partners Program, as well as how Dominion Energy and TRC can provide financial incentives for energy efficiency projects. 

Learn more and register for this event.

Rec Centers will open their doors to everyone on Wednesday, May 22! Anyone can stop by all day to explore Rec Centers for free. Visitors will receive a free, 7-day trial membership or be able to purchase a 30-day for $30 pass to the Park Authority's Rec Centers.

Each center will have special programming and activities from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Try out sample fitness classes, use gym equipment, take a lap in the pool and enjoy fun events at each site. The Spring Hill Rec Center is in the Dranesville District.

Wednesday, May 22

Open from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Spring Hill Rec Center

1239 Spring Hill Rd, McLean

For locations of other Rec Centers and more information about the Open House, visit here.

Arts Herndon is calling for Queer Artists for their first ever Herndon PRIDE. Curated pieces of art will be displayed inside of Arts Herndon from June 5 to June 8. There will also be a soiree on Friday, June 7 for selected artists to show their pieces to friends and family.

Deadline to submit is Friday, May 24.

Please email submissions to info@artsherndon.org. More information here.

The Friends of Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library will be hosting their quarterly book and media sale May 30 - June 2. Browse the large selection of books and media for all ages and interests.

Thursday, May 30 through Sunday, June 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library

7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church

*Sunday Bag Sale: $10 for a full grocery sack or half price if less.

Proceeds benefit the Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library and related activities. Donations of books and media are appreciated. Volunteers are welcome. For more information, visit the Friends of For more information visit the Library Events webpage, or contact TysonsLibraryFriends@gmail.com or 703-338-3307. 

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

Lane Closures & Traffic Changes Report for the upcoming week will be posted tomorrow, Friday, 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.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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