From Supervisor Foust: Dranesville Dispatch

There are almost too many to name, but a few things I am particularly pleased about are the groundbreaking for the renovation and expansion of the Lewinsville Center, full funding for the widening of Route 7, the opening of the roll top observatory at Turner Farm Park, the new picnic area at the Grange, the restoration of the stream in Pathfinder Park, the adoption of revisions to the Fairfax County Noise Ordinance, and the design and completion of several trail projects throughout Dranesville.

Looking forward to the New Year, the following are a few of my priorities:

Ensuring that our excellent schools, parks, libraries, public safety and human services are adequately funded to meet the needs and expectations of the community.
Ensuring that several important transportation projects that will help reduce congestion and improve pedestrian and bicycle safety, such as Route 7 widening, the Jones Branch Connector and numerous sidewalk and trails projects move forward as quickly as possible.
Continuing efforts to revitalize downtown McLean and make it safer and more accessible for pedestrians and bikers.
Keeping the Lewinsville Center project on schedule to deliver senior housing, a new senior center and three day care centers for our community.
Concluding the negotiations between the National Park Service and the Park Authority so the County can acquire Langley Fork Park and construct several new athletic fields.
Working with the Park Authority to select a person or entity to enter into a long-term lease under the Resident Curator Program for the Turner Farm House (more information in "Fairfax County Park Authority Resident Curator Program").
Working with the Park Authority and several community groups in Great Falls to transfer the management of the Grange and Old School House from the Park Authority to a nonprofit group, to give the community more control and better access to the buildings.
Continuing to use my position as Chairman of the Board's Transportation Committee and member of several regional commissions to advocate expansion of the American Legion Bridge as a regional transportation priority.
The completion of the Herndon Fire Station renovation and its reopening.
Continuing progress on Silver Line Phase II, including mixed-use development and pedestrian and road improvements near the Innovation Center Station and Herndon Station.

As always, I appreciate your thoughts on how to best serve you and all residents of the Dranesville community and I welcome the opportunity to speak with your civic group or homeowners association. I encourage you to contact my office if you have questions, concerns, or to set up a meeting. It is an honor to serve you.

John

John Foust

Dranesville District Supervisor

DRANESVILLE AND COUNTY NEWS

Looking Forward - FY 2018 Budget

With a new year, comes new budget challenges. The Board of Supervisors aims to adopt a budget that provides adequate funding for essential services including education, public safety and human services while controlling the tax burden on homeowners. Without the meals tax, the County's budget challenges are daunting but the Board will work with the community to address them.

The County Executive will release his Advertised Budget to Board members, County staff, and the public on February 14, 2017. The Board will authorize the proposed tax rate on February 29, 2017, will hold public hearings on the budget on April 4, 5 and 6, 2017, and will adopt the FY 2018 budget on May 2, 2017.

Prior to the Board public hearings, Supervisor Foust will join the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) and the McLean Citizens Association (MCA) at public meetings to discuss the Advertised Budget. Joe Mondoro, Chief Financial Officer and Director of the Department of Management and Budget for Fairfax County and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) representatives will also participate in these public meetings. Details for the meetings are included below:

Great Falls
Thursday, February 21, 7:30 p.m.
Great Falls Library
9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls

McLean
Thursday, March 16, 7:30 p.m.
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean

Both meetings are free and open to the public.

To ensure that the County has the resources it needs, the County must work deliberately to pursue economic opportunities and revitalization opportunities and to support and encourage a healthy partnership with the business community. As chairman of the County's Economic Advisory Commission, Supervisor Foust will continue to work with County staff, the Economic Development Authority, businesses and nonprofit groups to implement the numerous recommendations of the Strategic Plan to Facilitate the Economic Success of Fairfax County.

The County is also undergoing a multi-year review of its Lines of Business (LOBs). Phase I, which was collecting feedback from residents on County services, was completed last year. Phase 2 will begin soon and will focus on the programs and services to be reviewed for improved efficiency and effectiveness. This will lead to the Board's approval of a sustainable financial plan to invest in the County's future success. Supervisor Foust intends to form a Citizens Advisory Committee to evaluate and make recommendations on the LOBs.

For more information on the County budget, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dmb/.

Fairfax County Police Civilian Review Panel

At its December 6 meeting, the Board of Supervisors established a Civilian Review Panel to review complaints concerning alleged misconduct by Fairfax County police officers. The establishment of a Civilian Review Panel was included in the recommendations put forth in the Ad Hoc Police Practices Review Commission's final report, which was submitted to the Board of Supervisors on October 20, 2015.

The Panel will have jurisdiction to review complaints of abuse of authority or serious misconduct by a Fairfax County police officer. The Panel will define "abuse of authority" and "serious misconduct" in its bylaws, which will be subject to approval by the Board of Supervisors.

There are two avenues by which a Complaint or Request for Review concerning alleged abuse of authority or serious misconduct could reach the Panel. An individual may file a complaint with the Panel or may request that the Panel review an already-completed internal Fairfax County Police Department investigation.

The Panel will be composed of nine Fairfax County residents with expertise and experience relevant to the Panel's responsibilities. Panel members will be appointed by the Board of Supervisors for terms of three years, can serve no more than two consecutive terms, which will be staggered, and will serve at the pleasure of the Board. The Panel members will elect one of their members to serve as Chair of the Panel, with the exception of the first Chair, who the Board of Supervisors will appoint.

The Board of Supervisors seeks to create an independent and fair body for the Panel. The Board will consider the following factors, among others it may choose, in appointing members of the Panel: community and civic involvement; diversity; law enforcement and/or criminal investigative experience; reputation in the community; geographical representation and other factors designed to ensure a balanced Panel, representative of Fairfax County. No Panel member shall be a current employee of Fairfax County, a current or former member of the Fairfax County Police Department or the Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, have a relative (i.e., an immediate or extended family member) who is a member of Fairfax County Police Department or Fairfax County Sheriff's Office, hold public office, or be a candidate for public office. At least one of the Panel members shall have prior law enforcement experience (other than as a member of the Fairfax County Police Department or Fairfax County Sheriff's Office).

Many organizations have been invited to submit recommendations and individuals may also nominate themselves. The Board of Supervisors will select nine of those nominated to serve and hopes to make selections in the February 2017 time frame.

New Herndon Area Principals

Fairfax County Public Schools

Elizabeth Noto has been named principal of Herndon High School, effective January 30. Ms. Noto served as assistant principal at Woodson High before being named principal at Potomac Falls High School in Loudoun County, where she currently serves. She began her career in education as a math teacher in Hanover County (Virginia) Public Schools and served as Dean of Students in Chesterfield County (Virginia) Public Schools. She has experience and expertise in building positive relationships and fostering a caring school culture. Ms. Noto earned her Doctorate of Education and Educational Administration and Policy Studies from George Washington University, and her bachelor's and master's degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Teresa Fennessy became principal at Herndon Elementary School on November 28, 2016, coming to Herndon after serving as assistant principal at London Towne Elementary. Ms. Fennessy began her career as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher and has worked at a number of Fairfax County Public Schools. She has a passion for working with students at Title 1 schools and is experienced in building collaborative learning teams. Ms. Fennessy, who is fluent in Spanish, earned a Master's in Business Administration from Golden Gate University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from George Mason University.

This information is available online at https://www.fcps.edu/news/welcome-our-five-newest-principals-1-5-17?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term.

McLean Community Center Renovation Update

In April 2017, work to renovate and expand the McLean Community Center's (MCC) Ingleside Avenue facility is scheduled to begin. To ensure the Center's programs and services will continue uninterrupted, MCC staff has worked with Fairfax County's Facilities Management Department to find and secure rental properties for a 22-month period, beginning as early as March 2017. The MCC expects to move back to the renovated Community Center by the fall of 2018.

The majority of MCC's classes will be held at 6645 Old Dominion Drive, in the McLean Square Shopping Center, during the renovations. The new location includes four classrooms, which will be scheduled for maximum use. The space will also house the MCC's registration office.

During the construction period, MCC's administrative offices will be located in the same shopping center as the new classroom space, at 6631 Old Dominion Drive, on the first floor of the Century 21 New Millennium building.

The large, outdoor community events produced by the MCC will continue to be offered. The Spring and Fall Community Garage Sales will be held at the parking garage at 1420 Beverly Road; McLean Day 2017 will be held at Lewinsville Park as usual; and the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration will return to Churchill Road School for a second year.

Jammin' Juniors, the free, preschool concerts offered by The Alden will be held in local parks, while other performances will be presented in community-based venues. MCC is continuing to identify additional spaces for the dance program, indoor special events, and performing arts programs.

Supervisor Foust joined MPA representatives and community members for the opening of the MPA's temporary location. Photo credit: MPA.

The McLean Projects for the Arts has relocated to its temporary location in the Giant Shopping Center. The storefront is located between CVS and Kazan's Restaurant. MCC will continue to handle registration for MPA-sponsored art classes.

For more information, call the MCC at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit the website, www.mcleancenter.org.

In Case of Snow

Tips from VDOT, Dominion Virginia Power, Fairfax County, Town of Herndon

From the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT):

During a storm:

VDOT asks drivers to:

Adjust commutes to avoid driving during a storm and factor in additional travel time.
Continue to check weather forecasts, as storm timing and intensity can change. Pavement temperatures may drop below freezing, so drivers should exercise caution.
Reduce speeds and use headlights.
Be patient; remember that many fellow drivers are not comfortable driving in adverse weather conditions.
Take it slow on bridges, ramps, and overpasses, and other known trouble spots.
Ensure gas tanks and windshield wiper fluid tanks are full.

After a storm:

VDOT will begin to plow roadways after there is at least 2 inches of snow on the ground.
Crews will plow and treat interstates, major roads and neighborhoods concurrently.
Residents can enter their address at http://vdotplows.org to see the status of plowing in their neighborhood.
Snowplows cannot clear some residential streets when cars are parked on both sides. When snow is in the forecast, park your car in the driveway or work with your neighbors to park all vehicles along one side of the street.
Shovel your driveway after a snowplow passes and leave the last few feet at the curb until the street is plowed, as the truck will push some snow back. If you cannot wait, always shovel to your right when facing the street.
Chemicals are not used in subdivisions, but crews sand hills, curves and intersections to provide traction. For most storms, one snowplow pass, about eight to ten feet wide, is made.

Stay informed of current road conditions and VDOT's efforts:

Check http://www.511virginia.org/ or the mobile app for traffic conditions and closures.
Visit http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern_virginia/nova_emergency.asp for the latest updates and resources during winter events in northern Virginia.
Follow @VaDOTNOVA on Twitter.

Other resources:

Learn more about VDOT's snow removal efforts by reading VDOT's 2016-2017 Northern Virginia Snow Facts Sheet.
Report road problems: 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov.

From Dominion Virginia Power (DVP):

In the event of power outages, Dominion customers are urged to contact the company using any mobile device at https://www.dom.com/ or by calling DVP's toll free number, 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

Information and updates are available online at https://twitter.com/DomVAPower and https://www.facebook.com/dominionvirginiapower.

Dominion also reminds its customers to stay away from downed wires. While some wires may not be electric lines, it is best to stay at least 30 feet back from downed wires and report these locations by calling (1-866-DOM-HELP).

From Fairfax County:

Neither VDOT nor the County clears snow and ice from public walkways (sidewalks and trails). While not legally obligated, residents and businesses are asked to help keep sidewalks safe, when possible, by clearing snow off the sidewalks in front of their property so that all pedestrians, especially school children, those with disabilities, and the elderly, may walk securely.

Homeowner associations may require members of their communities to clear the private walkways abutting their property. Residents should contact their association or property manager for further information.

Sign up to receive Fairfax Alerts at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts/ for weather updates, traffic reports and emergency alerts.

From the Town of Herndon:

The Town of Herndon's Department of Public Works (TOH DPW) is responsible for snow removal in the Town.

TOH DPW asks residents to:

Move cars off of streets so plows can get through. Vehicles parked on snow emergency routes or other streets as marked may be towed.
Bookmark the town's website, www.herndon-va.gov, as well as the Facebook page. Information on snow removal, including updates on where plows have been, will be posted. DPW's phone line at 703-435-6860 will provide recorded message updates (outgoing messages only). In an emergency, call 911.
Prepare to shovel sidewalks. The Town does not remove snow from residential or business sidewalks, except to facilitate pedestrian travel on select major routes and near schools.

For more information on Town of Herndon snow removal, visit http://herndon-va.gov/departments/public-works/streets.

MCC Seeks Candidates for 2017-2018 Governing Board

The McLean Community Center (MCC) is seeking candidates to run for seats on its 2017-2018 Governing Board. The Board provides oversight and guidance for MCC programs and facilities, which include the Robert Ames Alden Theatre (The Alden) and The Old Firehouse Center. The MCC is an agency of Fairfax County Government and is located at 1234 Ingleside Ave in McLean.

To run for a seat on the 11-member board, a candidate must reside in the Center's tax district (Small District 1A-Dranesville). To have their names placed on election ballots, candidates are required to obtain the signatures of ten McLean tax district residents in their respective category (either adult or youth).

Three adult positions and two youth positions are open this year. The three adult candidates who receive the three highest vote counts will serve three-year terms. Youth members will serve one-year terms. Adult candidates must be at least 18 years of age as of McLean Day (May 20). Youth candidates must be 15-17 years of age as of McLean Day. One youth member will be elected from the McLean High School boundary area and one will be elected from the Langley High School boundary area. Youth candidates are not required to attend either school, but they must reside in the boundary areas served by one of the schools as defined by Fairfax County Public Schools.

Key Election Dates:

January 23: Petition Packets are available.
March 17: Completed Petition Packets are due at MCC by 5:00 p.m.
April 10: Absentee Voting begins at the MCC Administrative Office, 6631 Old Dominion Drive, and The Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.
April 10: Candidates' Orientation.
May 7: Candidates Meet and Greet, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sponsored by the Friends of MCC, at the Old Firehouse Center, 1440 Chain Bridge Road, McLean.
May 17: Absentee Voting ends at the MCC Administrative Office and the Old Firehouse Teen Center at 5 p.m.
May 20: Elections at McLean Day from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For more information on the MCC Governing Board Elections, call the Center at 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or log on to the website: http://bit.ly/2ix7qc1.

Fairfax County Code Compliance

Exterior Property Maintenance

The Virginia Maintenance Code requires all Fairfax County property owners to maintain the exterior of their structures so as not to pose a threat to public health, safety, or welfare. If there are properties in your neighborhood with rotting wood, broken or cracked windows, defective roofs, or unsecured doors, the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) can investigate and issue a Notice of Violation to have those items repaired and/or replaced.

For more information, visit the DCC website or view the Exterior Property Maintenance Flyer online.

Idylwood Road Sidewalk Project Completed

Before

After

Approximately 600 feet of concrete sidewalk was installed along Idylwood Road from south of Redd Road to Redd Road. Supervisor Foust advocated for this project which completes an important missing link along Idylwood Road, thereby increasing neighborhood connectivity and improving pedestrian safety in the area. The project was funded through the Board of Supervisor's 4-Year Transportation Plan, using Commercial and Industrial Funds.

Supervisor Foust said, "Completing this missing link of sidewalk has improved the walkability of the Falls Church area and pedestrian access to Lemon Road Elementary School. It's great to see that residents are already taking advantage of it."

Herndon Town Manager Art Anselene to Retire

Bill Ashton Sworn In as Acting Town Manager

Arthur Anselene, Town Manager of the Town of Herndon will retire on February 28, 2017, following four decades of service to the town. Under the Town of Herndon's form of government, the Town Manager is the chief administrative officer for the town, responsible for preparing the fiscal year budget and managing all town operations.

Mr. Anselene joined the town staff in 1976 as Director of Parks & Recreation, a position he held for 30 years. During his tenure, the department grew from a single-employee operation into a comprehensive parks and recreation system to include eleven parks, the indoor tennis center at Bready Park and the flagship Herndon Community Center, first opened in 1979 and newly renovated in 2006. His leadership resulted in the department becoming only the fourth in the Commonwealth of Virginia to receive national agency accreditation from the Commission of Parks and Recreation Agencies, and a repeat winner of the National Gold Medal Award for Excellence by the National Recreation and Park Association.

In 2007, Mr. Anselene was promoted to the town's top administrative post. His tenure at the helm coincided with a period of significant change and growth for the town, including the development of a downtown master plan and work toward a comprehensive redevelopment agreement; comprehensive planning for transit-oriented development near the Herndon station on Metro's Silver Line, slated to open in 2020; careful financial stewardship during the nationwide recession in 2008-09 that maintained the town's solid fiscal position, including AAA bond ratings by national financial analysts; and a customer-service orientation that generated outstanding ratings by citizens surveyed about town programs and services.

Art Anselene. Bill Ashton.

Photo Credit: Town of Herndon.

At its public meeting on January 10, Mayor Lisa Merkel and the Herndon Town Council appointed William H. "Bill" Ashton II, currently the town's Director of Information Technology, as Acting Town Manager. Mr. Ashton was sworn in on January 24.

Mr. Ashton joined the town's staff in 1998 as Herndon's first Director of Information Technology. He is responsible for the development and implementation of technologies that assist all town departments in providing services to town citizens. During his tenure, the town has received national recognition as a public sector technology leader.

Previously, Mr. Ashton worked in IT positions of increasing responsibility, both in the private sector and the federal government. He holds a BBA in Management Information Systems from James Madison University and a Master of Public Administration from George Mason University.

The Council is currently conducting a comprehensive search for Anselene's permanent successor.

Fairfax County Park Authority Resident Curator Program

Turner Farm House

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) Resident Curator Program (RCP) is designed to preserve historic properties by offering long-term leases to qualified tenants who agree to rehabilitate and maintain these historic resources. A curator can be a private citizen, a non-profit entity, or a for-profit entity.

The Turner Farmhouse, including outbuildings, has been accepted into the Resident Curator Program. The house, built in 1905 by the Turner family, is situated on a 1.52 acre property that is part of the larger Turner Farm Park, a 52-acre community park at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Springvale Road in Great Falls. The property contains several historic structures including the farmhouse, garage, crib barn, and dairy barn with varying dates of construction. The Turner Dairy Farm was one of many dairy farms which were prevalent in the Great Falls area during the early twentieth century.

The 3,216 square-foot house is architecturally significant due to its Queen Anne style and its exemplification of the cultural, economic, and historic heritage of the Springvale and Forestville/Great Falls communities in Northern Virginia. Many of the original details, formal parlor, hardwood flooring and fireplaces remain. The house has four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

The FCPA received two proposals for the rehabilitation and long-term maintenance of the farm house by the February 12, 2017 deadline. Review of the proposals is underway.

Proposed Early Metrorail Closing and WMATA FY 2018 Budget

Letter from the Board and How to Provide Input

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s General Manager proposed permanently closing the Metrorail system earlier than has been the practice (limiting hours of operation) to provide additional Metrorail maintenance time. Over the years, operating hours had been expanded (through June 2016), which limited maintenance hours and contributed to the maintenance problems Metro has been experiencing.

WMATA's General Manager also released WMATA's proposed FY 2018 Operating Budget, which includes an estimated operating budget gap of approximately $290 million. The proposed budget includes several strategies to address the gap, including:

Elimination of 1,000 positions, which is 8 percent of the WMATA workforce.
Increasing fares.
Widening Metrorail headways from 6 to 8 minutes during peak periods and 12 to 15 minutes during off-peak periods.
Elimination of the 24 most inefficient Metrobus routes.
Reduction of capitalized maintenance.
Increasing total FY 2018 jurisdictional subsidy.

At its December 6 Board meeting, the Board of Supervisors approved a letter to WMATA regarding proposed early Metrorail closing and WMATA's FY 2018 budget options. Because of the severe financial challenges facing Metro, the letter includes support for:

The General Manager's efforts to control costs, reduce the size of the organization, and reduce the amount of capitalized maintenance.
An increase in jurisdictional subsidies in FY 2018.
A modest fair increase on Metrobus and Metrorail, but not on parking
Earlier Metrorail closing on weekdays and weekends, and possibly a later opening on Sunday.
Lengthening of Metrorail peak period headways from 6 minutes to 8 minutes.
Reduction of a small amount of regional Metrobus service with any reduction of non-regional service being decided by the jurisdiction funding the service.

The public comment period for WMATA's proposed FY 2018 budget closed on February 6, 2017. Public feedback will be provided to Metro's Board of Directors in March 2017 as part of the final decision making process. Any Board-approved fare or service changes will begin on July 1, 2017.

For more information about WMATA's proposed FY 2018 budget, visit https://www.wmata.com/initiatives/budget/index.cfm.

Express Lanes Grant Programs

Applications for next quarter accepted through March 31

The 495 and 95 Express Lanes Community Grant Program and the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program support organizations that sustain, enhance or protect the local environment and communities. In the past, a number of Dranesville groups, such as the McLean Revitalization Corporation and the Hallcrest Heights Homeowners Association have received grants for community improvement projects.

Grant applications for the next quarter for both Grant Programs are being accepted through March 31. Visit https://www.expresslanes.com/grant-program or http://www.395expresslanes.com/grant-program to apply.

Land Use Cases in Dranesville

Gulick Group, Inc.

RZ 2015-DR-009

South of the terminus of Challendon Road, Great Falls

On January 24, 2017 the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved an application by Gulick Group to rezone an 11-acre parcel to permit the construction of 9 homes.

The number of lots was reduced from 10 to 9, resulting in a density of .852 dwelling units per acre, which falls within the density range recommended in the Land Use Plan for the area.

Careful attention was paid to tree and stormwater impacts due to the property's topography and proximity to the Piney Run tributary. To address these concerns, the applicant proffered to preserve 5-acres of tree canopy and to exceed stormwater requirements in terms of quality and quantity to a level that mimics a well forested condition.

The applicant worked closely with the Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA), that ultimately endorsed the application after several revisions were made. "The support of the GFCA did not come until very late in the process. I was able to support the application because of the hard work by the community and the applicant to significantly improve the application," said Supervisor Foust.

Information including a map of the site and staff report can be found here.

Sunrise Development Inc.
SE 2016-DR-001
1988 Kirby Road, McLean

Applicant proposes to construct a 73-unit assisted living facility on a 3.7 acre parcel zoned R-3.

Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found here.

H&M of Virginia, LLC

SE 2016-DR-011

7072 Idylwood Road, Falls Church

Applicant proposes a Special Exception to modify minimum lot width requirements to allow for the subdivision of 7072 Idylwood Road into two residential lots.

Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found here.

Mahlon A. Burnette, III and Mary H. Burnette

SE 2015-DR-027

631 Walker Road, Great Falls

The applicant seeks a Special Exception to waive the minimum lot width requirement in order to subdivide a 4 acre, R-E zoned parcel into two lots. The property is developed with a single-family detached dwelling that would remain. The overall density of the proposed subdivision would be 0.5 units per acre (or one dwelling per two acres).

Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found here.

Anupama Prasai A/K/A Anupama Prasai Koirala

SE 2017-DR-018

2526 Banshire Drive, Herndon

Applicant seeks a Special Exception to operate a home childcare facility in a single-family attached home (zoned R-12) owned by the applicant. The Center would operate Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and serve up to 12 children.

Information including a map of the site, public hearing dates, and staff report can be found here.

Look for announcements of future community meetings relating to applications in the monthly Dranesville Happenings publication found at http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dranesville/newsletters.htm.

For more information on land use cases in Dranesville contact Ben Wiles in the office of Supervisor Foust at Benjamin.Wiles@FairfaxCounty.gov or call 703-356-0551.

PHOTO GALLERY

Stuff the Bus 2017

Supervisor Foust joined volunteers to Stuff the Bus at the Giant in McLean on Saturday, January 14.

As the holiday decorations come down and the cold winter months settle in, many people continue to go hungry. For many local, nonprofit food pantries, this is the time of year where donations drop to one of the lowest points. To help address this need, Fairfax County is promoting its annual "Stuff the Bus: Helping Fairfax Families" program at 14 locations from January 14 to February 20. This collaborative program, now in its seventh year, is a partnership among Fairfax County Government, local grocery stores, and nonprofits to restock the shelves.

Each week a Fastran bus staffed by MV Transportation personnel will park at a different location and collect food donations. The campaign kicked off January 14 in McLean and will run each weekend until February 20.

For more information and the complete list of Stuff the Bus locations throughout the County, visit http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/living/food/stuffthebus/.

Annual Donation to Hutchison Elementary School's Shoe Locker

Donation from the Offices of Dranesville Supervisor Foust and ArtsHerndon

Supervisor John Foust and his Herndon staff aide, Jenny Phipps, and ArtsHerndon representatives dropped off donations at Herndon Elementary School and posed for a picture with school staff.

Dranesville Supervisor John Foust's office joins with ArtsHerndon every holiday season to gather new shoes and gift cards for children at Hutchison Elementary School in Herndon, a Title 1 school serving many students with challenging social and economic issues. Thank you to all the kind and generous donors who provided much needed and appreciated shoes and gift cards.

McLean Winterfest

Supervisor John Foust, Senator Barbara Favola, Delegate Rip Sullivan, and Delegate Kathleen Murphy joined McLean High School Marching Band students for a picture during the McLean Winterfest Parade.

McLean residents welcomed the holidays at the 8th annual WinterFest parade. Participants included the McLean High School Marching Band, the McLean Project for the Arts, the McLean Citizens Association, several Girl Scout Troops, the Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce, and many more. Parade observers were asked to bring a gift card for food or merchandise to be donated to Share of McLean.

Visit http://bit.ly/2iKsJtv to see more photos from the event.

Falcon Ridge Trail Rehabilitation and Reopening

Falcon Ridge Trail before and after rehabilitation.

The Fairfax County Maintenance and Stormwater Management Division has completed the rehabilitation of the Falcon Ridge Trail in the Great Falls area. Due to the poor condition, the trail had been closed to the public, but has now been reopened. At the request of Great Falls residents and members of the Great Falls Trail Blazers, Supervisor Foust worked with the Department of Public Works to secure the funding for the rehabilitation of the trail, which is located between Interpromontory Road and Highill Court.

CONGRATULATIONS

McLean High School Marching Band Wins State Championship

Performs at Board of Supervisors Meeting

The McLean High School Marching Band was recognized by the Board of Supervisors at its December 6 meeting resulting in what is believed to be the largest group photograph ever taken in the Board Auditorium.

The McLean High School Marching Band was recognized by the Board of Supervisors at its December 6 meeting for winning the US Bands Virginia State Championship. A small group of students also performed at the meeting. The Championship was held in Virginia Beach on October 22. This was the first time the marching band had participated fully in the US Bands circuit, making their championship win even more impressive. The marching band also won Best Color Guard, Best Music, Best Overall Effect, Best Percussion, and Best Visual. In addition to its recognition as US Bands Virginia State Champions, the Band also holds the title of "Largest Group Photographed at a Board Meeting."

Woman's Club of McLean

Representatives from the Woman's Club of McLean joined the Board of Supervisors for a picture after they were recognized at the December 6 meeting.

The Board of Supervisors recognized the Woman's Club for its service to the McLean community and 50 years of its Holiday Homes Tour at the December 6 Board meeting. In 1966, the club held its first Holiday Homes Tour, which proved to be so popular that the club decided to make it an annual event. It is now the club's sole fund raiser. All profits from the tour are turned back into the community in the form of many and varied services projects. A partial list of donations include: Alternative House, The McLean Orchestra, Share, Shelter House for Homeless Families and Canine Companions. In addition, each year the club awards a college scholarship to two seniors from local high schools.

Burns Brothers Cleaners

From left to right: Amy Burns, Mark Burns, Supervisor John Foust, and Donald Burns.

Burns Brothers Cleaners in downtown McLean closed on December 31 after 67 successful years of business. Supervisor Foust presented Donald, Amy, and Mark Burns with a certificate recognizing their contributions to the McLean community at a Greater McLean Chamber of Commerce event on December 14.

Herndon Town Council Swearing-In

Supervisor Foust introduced recently reelected Mayor Lisa Merkel during the Herndon Town Council Swearing-In on January 3.

Congratulations to the newly elected and reelected Herndon Town Council Members who were officially sworn in on Tuesday, January 3. Supervisor Foust joined community leaders, neighbors, and other elected officials for the swearing-in of Mayor Lisa Merkel and Town Council Members Jennifer Baker, Grace Wolf Cunningham, Jeffrey Davidson, Signe Friedrichs, Bill McKenna, and Sheila Olem.

Herndon Centennial Golf Course Recognized for Environmental Excellence

Herndon Centennial Golf Course has retained its designation as a "Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary" through the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf Courses, an Audubon International program. Herndon Centennial Golf Course was designated as a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary in 2009 and is one of 892 courses in the world to currently be designated as such.

Fairfax County is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of disability in all county programs, services and activities. Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request. For information, call the Dranesville District office at 703-356-0551, TTY 711.

If you would like your community announcement included in Dranesville Happenings please send an email to Dranesville@FairfaxCounty.gov.