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Dear Neighbor, 

Since before I took office in January, residents have been coming to me with various traffic-related concerns. Whether it’s too much speeding in one neighborhood or motorists “blocking the box” at another intersection causing backups, I know and understand that we need some help on the roads. (Please, everybody, slow down and follow all traffic rules!) As a result, from the beginning of my term, I have been working to find ways to mitigate traffic concerns, including presenting traffic-related Board Matters, considering traffic design modifications, speaking with VDOT and the police about the importance of traffic enforcement, staying in frequent contact with the 495 Next team, and working with neighborhoods to explore options through the Residential Traffic Administration (RTAP).  

Because of the importance of these issues to Dranesville residents, I am so happy to share the news that the McLean District Station now has a dedicated lead Traffic Enforcement Officer! Police Officer First Class Brian Hungarter has served in law enforcement for 16 years, eight with the FCPD. The FCPD shared that Officer Hungarter will focus on enforcing traffic laws to enhance pedestrian safety, managing traffic flow during peak hours, and responding swiftly to incidents. The FCPD invites the community to collaborate with Officer Hungarter to address traffic concerns by contacting him at FCPDMcLeanSET@fairfaxcounty.gov. Welcome to Officer Hungarter! I look forward to collaborating with him to help Dranesville residents with this persistent issue. And many thanks to the leadership of the McLean District Station including Captain Dana Ferreira and Captain Brad Libby for advocating for Officer Hungarter’s McLean assignment. 

Switching gears, I wanted to invite you all to join me on Saturday night, July 13, at Arrowbrook Centre Park in Herndon for the first of our Fairfax County Park Authority 2024 Summer Concert Series to see Last Train Home, a roots rock band. The Summer Concert series has something for everyone this year with an eclectic mix of bands and genres from R&B to Bhangra to Latin to Bluegrass. Bruce in the USA always draws a crowd, and you might want to catch multiple shows this year! Herndon folks probably already know that Arrowbrook Centre Park is just south of the Toll Road (which rarely has much traffic) and I can confirm that you can usually make it there from McLean or Great Falls in 15-20 minutes or so without speeding! Come on out! 

Finally, if you are looking for something to do that won’t require much (if any) time in traffic, I hope you will join me on Wednesday, July 17 at 6pm when I will be leading a walk along the red route of the Tysons Community Alliance’s Get Around Guide. We will meet at Westgate ES - you can read more about the walk and the initiative below. Hope you will come and walk with me! 

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

Fourth of July Celebration at Bready Park

Great Falls Fourth of July Parade

Wonder Wagon at Bruin Park

Summer Sunday Concert at Lewsinsville Park

SPARC Tour at The Old Firehouse Center

The Virginia Department of Transportation is completing an independent safety assessment of the section of Walker Road (Route 681) from Colvin Run Road (Route 743) to Georgetown Pike (Route 193). The purpose of this assessment is to identify safety issues as well as opportunities for roadway improvements and to develop recommendations based on data driven, proven safety countermeasures. VDOT invites the community to provide input and feedback through this webpage through tomorrow, Friday, July 12. For more information, please visit the study page.

Fairfax Circuit Court has launched a new online service to revolutionize access to Circuit Court Case information. This innovative platform, eCaseSearch, is designed to offer free and efficient access to non-confidential case information, providing the public with unprecedented transparency and convenience.

The proposed online service aims to streamline the process of accessing Circuit Court Case information and seeks to eliminate barriers to information, empowering citizens with easy access to public records. eCaseSearch will allow users to search for public information such as hearing dates and times, a list of charges, and other docket information on criminal and civil cases.

This service provides free access to public Circuit Court case information and prioritizes efficient and user-friendly navigation. The program was created in-house, in partnership with Fairfax County Department of Information Technology (DIT), at no additional cost to taxpayers. It is available in the top six languages spoken in Fairfax County other than English. One remarkable feature of the program is that Circuit Court staff worked with IT analysts to translate the application into these six languages themselves. Speakers of all six languages are available in the Clerk’s Office and were excited to contribute to the project.

eCaseSearch is available now and can be accessed at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/apps/ECS_Public.

The McLean Community Center (MCC) is accepting qualifications from artists or artist teams for two public art projects it is commissioning in McLean. The two public art projects are part of the Center’s 50th Anniversary celebration, which will take place in 2025. The first project is a mural to be created for the rear wall of the Old Firehouse Center (OFC), located at 1440 Chain Bridge Rd. The second project is a typographical sculpture to be placed on the rear plaza of MCC, which is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave.

The application period closes on August 16, 2024 with finalists being notified in mid-September.

All interested artists should submit an application with the preliminary submission materials: a statement of interest, resume, images of past work and professional references. Applications must be submitted through the CaFÉ portal by August 16, 2024.

Visit the announcement webpage for mural and sculpture specifications and budget. For more information, call MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.

The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) and the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB) are seeking community input to identify systemic gaps in service and/or barriers Fairfax County residents with disabilities face.

Two virtual community forums will be held and will focus on various topics such as, Services for Older Adults and Family Caregivers, Housing and Neighborhood Supports, Access to Mobility Options, Personal Well-Being, and Economic Stability and Planning.

Community Forum for Family Caregivers

• Wednesday, July 31, 2024
• 7–8:30 p.m.
• Virtual via Zoom

Community Forum for Adults with Disabilities Age 50 and Older

• Friday, August 2, 2024
• 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Virtual via Zoom

Register to attend and receive an email with access instructions. Space is limited. 

HealthWorks for Northern Virginia is hosting two free school physicals events for children who do not have health insurance. To qualify, students must attend a Virginia school and be between the ages of 3 to 18 years old. HealthWorks will provide immunizations, tuberculosis screenings and vision and hearing exams. Sport physicals will not be available.

Wednesday, August 7 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

HealthWorks Leesburg

163 Fort Evans Rd NE, Leesburg

Wednesday, August 14 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

HealthWorks Herndon

1141 Elden St, Herndon

Schedule an appointment online or by calling 571-840-4714. Visit the HealthWorks Northern Virginia website for more information.

With temperatures rising, it is important to be prepared to prevent any heat-related illnesses. The Fairfax County Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery website has put together tips for you and your family to stay cool and safe.

Know the Signs of Heat Illness:

• Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting.
• Heat stroke symptoms include a high body temperature, confusion, loss of consciousness and seizures.

To Stay Safe:

• Drink lots of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• Limit time outdoors during the hottest hours.
• Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
• Never leave kids or pets in parked cars.
• Check on elderly neighbors who may need help.

Protect Yourself from the Sun:

• Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, reapply every two hours).
• Wide-brimmed hats.
• Sunglasses that block UV rays.
• Shade from trees, umbrellas, etc.

Never Leave Kids & Pets in Cars:

• Don’t leave children or pets alone in parked vehicles — even if it’s running air conditioning or has opened windows — for any period of time.

Read the Fairfax County Information article to learn more and subscribe to their blog to receive notifications of new posts.

Don't know how to plant a tree but want to support the environmental health of your community? Do you live in McLean? The McLean Trees Foundation (MTF), a local non-profit organization dedicated to putting a spotlight on native trees, can help! They will:

• Help you select an appropriate native tree for your property
• Deliver the tree to your yard
• Help you plant it
• Provide information on maintenance
• Check back to see how your tree is doing

If you are interested in participating in this program and want more information, please visit their website.

Connect with County Leaders: Innovating Emergency Response For the Future

In the July episode of “Connect with County Leaders,” Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill talks with Scott Brillman, director of the Department of Public Safety Communications (DPSC), also known as Fairfax County 9-1-1. 

The conversation highlighted the center’s recent achievements and future plans to enhance emergency response services:

• DPSC recently welcomed its largest class ever of recruits and this came from rethinking their recruitment strategies.
• Fairfax Count 9-1-1 is the largest public safety answering points in the United States and they are continuing to lead the way in emergency response technology. One way is the center's upcoming ability to instantly translate over 170 languages using AI technology. This will significantly improves access to emergency services for non-English speakers in the County.
• The Center recognizes the high-stress nature of emergency dispatch work and has implemented several measures to support staff mental health:
• Quiet rooms and a gym for stress relief
• A full kitchen for healthy meals
• Rocking chairs for comfort
• An on-site mental health clinician
• Access to a health and wellness center
• A peer support team

Looking ahead, Brillman envisions a future where emergency response is even more immediate and visual, stating, "Where I want to be in five years is when you need help, you can FaceTime us. You don't have to talk. We can see what's going on. If you’re having a medical emergency, we don't have to ask you a whole bunch of questions that sometimes are frustrating. We have a clinician in the center or a paramedic or a nurse that can see your injury, and we can deploy resources immediately to you".

Listen or watch this episode of the "Connect with County Leaders" podcast.

FCPD’s Financial Crimes Unit is working to ensure that community members never fall victim to scams of impersonators claiming to be law enforcement officers. The unit wants to educate the public on identifying and recognizing these scammers and how to report them.

How to Prevent a Scam

The police will never ask you for money or demand immediate payment in the form of gift cards, cryptocurrency, or other financial options to resolve the issue.

• Verify the callers identity by asking for the caller's name, badge number, and department.
• Approach these calls with caution and remember that legitimate authorities will not rush you into making payments or divulging personal information.
• Stay informed about common scamming techniques.
• Report suspicious activity to FCPD's Financial Crimes Unit through their online portal or call the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131.
• Do not share personal or financial information over the phone.

July is National Lost Prevention Month and to celebrate, the Fairfax County Animal Shelter is offering free microchips for County residents' pets at their July Vaccine and Microchip Clinics. Microchipping your pet is one of the most effective ways to keep them safe and ensure a quick reunion if they ever get lost.

Friday, July 12 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Lorton Campus

8875 Lorton Rd, Lorton

Monday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Michael R. Frey Campus

4500 West Ox Rd, Fairfax

All clinics are first come, first served and open to County residents. Microchips are free during the July clinics; other vaccines are cash only.

Learn more about Vaccine and Microchip Clinics.

As part of the Fairfax County Park Authority's Summer Entertainment Series, musical concerts will be held at Arrowbrook Park every Saturday night starting July 13 until August 31. This summer’s schedule includes a diverse lineup of performances from classical to bluegrass and everything in between, as well as children’s performances, music and dance from around the world and drive-in movies.

Saturday, July 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Arrowbrook Centre Park

2351 Field Point Rd, Herndon

For more locations and concerts, visit the Summer Entertainment Series website.

Join the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District (NVSWCD) for their July Virtual Green Breakfast on the invasive water chestnut. Trapa bispinosa is a new species of water chestnut found in freshwater ponds and lakes, and Fairfax County is ground zero for the spread of this invasive aquatic plant. Join Dr. Nancy Rybicki, aquatic plant ecologist and affiliate professor at GMU, and Sophia Wood, Urban Conservation Specialist at NVSWCD, to learn about this floating invasive that was first discovered in the Potomac River in 2014.

Saturday, July 13 at 9 a.m.

Virtual Meeting via Microsoft Teams

Meeting ID: 279 228 307 543; Passcode: X5Dakz

Dial in by phone: 571-429-5982; ID: 551 917 706#

Sign up for the Green Breakfast newsletter to receive links to recorded webinars and learn about upcoming events.

Join Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination on Tuesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. for “Personal Climate Action: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar” to learn about ways you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint and adapt to changing climate conditions. Register to receive a reminder email the day of the livestream.

The webinar will be livestreamed on Fairfax County’s YouTube channel as well as OEEC’s Facebook page. Registering will sign you up for reminder emails, but registration is not required to join the livestream. It will also be immediately available on YouTube to watch the replay after the livestream.

Join the Livestream on OEEC's Facebook Page.

Want to explore Tysons? The Tysons Community Alliance invites you to participate in the Tysons Get Around Guide, a fun and rewarding way to discover the best routes and hidden gems throughout the community. Learn more about how you can get involved.

You can also join me on a Community Walk on Wednesday, July 17 for a chance to explore the Capital One/Tysons East Loop (Red Route). I would love to see you there!

Wednesday, July 17 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Meet at Westgate Elementary School Parking Lot

7500 Magarity Rd, Falls Church

There are only a few weeks left to join the Capital Area Solar Switch summer 2024 campaign to get a quality rooftop solar installation at a discounted price.

Capital Area Solar Switch takes advantage of group-buying power and Solar United Neighbors’ expertise to take the guesswork out of going solar. By signing up, residents can receive a free assessment and quote from a qualified solar installer, and a guaranteed discounted price, with no obligation to move forward with a solar installation. The sign-up period for Solar Switch ends July 24.

Mark your calendars for the 74th County 4-H Fair and Carnival at Frying Pan Farm Park from August 1 to August 4! Enjoy old-fashioned family fun, carnival games and rides, tractor demos, 4-H exhibit and shows, fair food, live entertainment, live animals, and more.

For the full schedule, tickets and fees, visit the 4-H Fair and Carnival website.

VDOT: 495 NEXT Updates

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

Public Hours

VDOT and its 495 NEXT project partners will hold drop-in public hours this summer to provide the public opportunities to interact with project staff individually to learn more and ask questions about the 495 NEXT project. These sessions will be held at the McLean Governmental Center’s Community Room and no appointment is necessary. A virtual option will be available as well. Please visit the project’s website to access the links. 

2024 Public Hours Dates and Times:

• Thursday, July 18 | 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, July 25 | 1-3 p.m.
• Thursday, August 15 | 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, August 22 | 1-3 p.m.
• Thursday, September 19 | 4-6 p.m.
• Thursday, September 26 | 1-3 p.m. 

Email 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov or call 703-691-6715 with any questions.

www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville

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