Community Notice from
Dranesville Supervisor John Foust
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Dear Neighbor,
As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve and impact our community, I will continue to highlight resources and updates that I hope you will find helpful along with information about upcoming virtual meetings, ways to provide input, and County programs.
This email includes tips for a safe Halloween, virtual MPArtfest, a reminder for the VDOT 495NEXT public hearings, flu vaccination clinics for older adults, Dead Run Stream Restoration Virtual Meeting, and the MCA Monthly Board of Directors Meeting
with Dranesville District School Board Member Elaine Tholen.
Please share this email with your friends and neighbors and do not hesitate to contact my office if we can be of assistance; email Dranesville@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-356-0551.
Sincerely,
John
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Traditional Trick-or-Treating Not Recommended for Halloween; Safe Alternatives Available |
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To keep the number of new COVID-19 cases low, we must all do our part to stop the spread of the virus. This includes finding new and socially distant ways to celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday.
Traditional door-to-door trick-or-treating and events that involve large gatherings of individuals is NOT recommended this year.
Some higher-risk activities that are not recommended this year include:
- Participating in traditional trick-or-treating where treats are handed to children who go door to door.
- Having trunk-or-treat where treats are handed out from trunks of cars lined up in large parking lots where social distancing can’t be maintained.
- Attending crowded costume parties held indoors.
- Going to an indoor haunted house where people may be crowded together and screaming.
- Going on hayrides or tractor rides with people who are not in your household.
Some additional alternatives that have a moderate level of risk but are safer than traditional parties or trick-or-treating include:
- Participating in one-way trick-or-treating where individually wrapped goodie bags are lined up for families to grab and go while continuing to social distance. Consider lining bags up at the end of the driveway or edge of your yard.
- Having a small group, outdoor, open-air costume parade where people are distanced more than six feet apart.
- Attending a costume party held outdoors where protective masks are used and people can remain more than six feet apart.
- Attending a small outside event, such as trunk-or-treat, where social distancing can be maintained and everyone is wearing a mask.
- Going to an open-air, one-way, walk-through haunted forest where appropriate mask use is enforced, and people can remain more than six feet apart.
- Visiting pumpkin patches or orchards where people use hand sanitizer before touching pumpkins or picking apple, while wearing masks and social distancing.
- Having an outdoor Halloween movie night with local family and friends, with people spaced at least six feet apart.
Low-risk activities that can be safe alternatives include:
- Carving or decorating pumpkins with members of your household, or outside, at a safe distance, with neighbors or friends.
- Decorating your house, apartment or living space.
- Holding a Halloween scavenger hunt where children are given lists of Halloween-themed items to look for while they walk outdoors from house to house admiring Halloween decorations at a distance.
- Hosting virtual Halloween costume contests or parties.
- Having a Halloween movie night with people in your household.
A few additional considerations:
- STAY HOME if you have COVID-19 symptoms, have tested positive for COVID-19, are waiting for test results, or have been in contact with someone with COVID in the past 14 days. Do not participate in in-person Halloween festivities and do not give out candy to trick-or-treaters.
- A costume mask is not a substitute for a cloth mask. A costume mask should not be used unless it is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric that covers the mouth and nose and does not leave gaps around the face. Do not wear a costume mask over a protective cloth mask because it can be dangerous if the costume mask makes it hard to breathe. Instead, consider using a Halloween-themed cloth mask. Learn more about selecting the right mask.
- If you are preparing goodie bags, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after preparing the bags.
- If you participate in any activities where screaming will likely occur, keeping a distance greater than 6 feet is advised. Screaming increases the production of respiratory droplets and is particularly risky for spreading COVID-19. The greater the distance, the lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus.
For more information:
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Visit www.MPAartfest.org starting at 10:00 a.m. to shop Artist Studios featuring the work of 50+ juried mid-Atlantic artists.
That afternoon, join the live MPAartfest Benefit Concert (drive-in style!) on October 4, 2020 for the 4:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m. show featuring original members of the Drifters, Four Tops, Platters, and Temptations--now performing as "Voices of Classic Soul." Given COVID safety concerns, attendees will be in (or on) their cars, parked every other space. For tickets and more information click here.
For more information visit the McLean Project for the Arts website here. |
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REMINDER: VDOT to Hold Public Hearings
Oct. 5 and 8 for 495 NEXT Project
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VDOT will present and receive public input on draft design plans and environmental assessment at virtual public hearing Oct. 5; In-person, by-appointment-only hearing on Oct. 8
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a virtual Location and Design Public Hearing on Monday, October 5, 2020, followed by an in-person (by-appointment-only) hearing on Thursday, October 8, 2020, for the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Project (495 NEXT). VDOT will present and seek input on its Environmental Assessment (EA) and draft design plans for the 495 NEXT Project.
The 495 NEXT Project involves extending the 495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge to reduce congestion, improve safety and travel reliability, and provide additional travel choices. The project will involve a change in limited access control.
VIRTUAL LOCATION & DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING
Monday, October 5, 2020
7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
A formal presentation of the project's Environmental Assessment findings and draft design plans will begin at 7 p.m., followed by a public comment period. Sign up in advance to provide comments by going to 495NorthernExtension.org or calling 703-691-6715.
Speakers will be limited to three minutes to speak as an individual and five minutes if speaking for a group. Following all comments and testimony, questions will be allowed. The Virtual Public Hearing will be recorded and shared after the meeting on 495NorthernExtension.org.
IN-PERSON, BY-APPOINTMENT-ONLY, LOCATION & DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, October 8, 2020
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101
How to Participate:
- Attendees must register in advance to attend the In-person Location & Design Public Hearing. Call 703-691-6715 or sign up at 495NorthernExtension.org to make a reservation.
- CDC-recommended health measures, including mask requirements and social distancing, will be in place.
- Attendees can provide their comment or testimony at their confirmed timeslot, or by completing a written comment form.
The public hearing presentation will be displayed on a continuous loop at the In-person Public Hearing. There will be limited staffing on site to comply with COVID-19 restrictions, but additional staff will be available virtually.
HOW TO ACCESS PUBLIC HEARING MATERIALS
The project’s Environmental Assessment and design plans will be presented at the hearing, and are available now at 495NorthernExtension.org. Materials can also be reviewed at the following locations:
VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; public access by appointment only (call 703-691-6715 or TTY/TDD 711).
Dolley Madison Library
1244 Oak Ridge Avenue
McLean, VA 22101
Great Falls Library
9830 Georgetown Pike
Great Falls, VA 22066
Tysons-Pimmit Regional Library
7584 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22043
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Avenue
McLean, VA 22101
Fairfax County Department of Transportation
4050 Legato Road, 4th Floor
Fairfax, VA 22033
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call 703-877-5600 for additional information.
Note: The project’s EA and design plans have been available to the public since February 26, 2020, at 495NorthernExtension.org, as well as at VDOT’s Northern Virginia District Office and nearby libraries until these buildings were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
HOW TO PROVIDE INPUT
The new deadline for submitting comments for the public record on the Environmental Assessment and draft design plans is Friday, October 23, 2020.
- Provide written and/or oral comments at the virtual and in-person public hearings
- Email written comments to 495NorthernExtension@VDOT.Virginia.gov
- Submit comments online at 495NorthernExtension.org
- Mail comments to Abi Lerner, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Comments should reference “I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Project” in the subject line.
Note: The Location and Design Public Hearing previously scheduled for March 12, 2020, was postponed due to COVID-19. The public comment period has remained open, and all previously-submitted comments will be included as part of the record of this hearing, and do not need to be resubmitted.
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Flu Vaccination Clinics for Older Adults |
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Each year, influenza—better known as the flu—causes millions of illnesses in the United States, and people age 65 and older account for the majority of flu hospitalizations and deaths. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your risk of getting sick.
To help protect older adults in our community, the Fairfax County Health Department and Department of Neighborhood and Community Services are offering flu vaccination clinics at select Senior Centers. This service begins on October 6 and is available to residents 50 and older by appointment only (see dates below)
Getting an annual flu vaccine protects yourself, your family, and the vulnerable people in your community. Find a flu vaccine clinic here. October 6, 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Herndon Senior Center, 873 Grace St., Herndon
(times also available Oct. 8 & 9)
November 9, 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Lewinsville Senior Center, 1613 Great Falls St., McLean
(times also available Nov. 10 & 12)
For a full list of locations and more information on flu vaccination clinics for older adults click here.
Read more from the Health Department on the importance of getting a flu shot here. To find other places in the community to get a flu vaccine, click here. See the CDC Frequently Asked Flu Questions: 2020-2021 Season here. |
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Dead Run Stream Restoration Virtual Meeting |
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The Dead Run at Georgetown Pike Stream Restoration Project is located between Churchill Road and Georgetown Pike, and is a continuation of the stream restoration project recently completed through Mclean Central Park.
The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services Stormwater Planning Division will hold a virtual public meeting to discuss the proposed stream restoration project:
Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 6:30 PM
Please provide your email contact information to the project manager, Vivian Bui, at vivian.bui@fairfaxcounty.gov for the virtual meeting invitation. For project specific information click here. |
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MCA Monthly Board of Directors Meeting
with Dranesville District
School Board Member Elaine Tholen
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Dranesville District School Board Representation, Elaine Tholen, will speak for approximately 30 minutes at the beginning of the MCA’s Monthly Board of Directors Business Meeting on October 7. While her comments will focus on Distance Learning, other issues will be addressed as time permits.
You must register on the MCA website to attend in person as space is limited due to COVID-19 protocols. MCA members will be given priority. All participants must wear masks and social distance at all times. The event will also be livestreamed on Facebook and a recording of the meeting will be made available on the MCA website (go to mcleancitizens.org and click on Video Library).
Wednesday, October 7, 7:00 p.m.
McLean Community Center
1234 Ingleside Avenue
McLean, Virginia
Or
Watch via Facebook Livestream here.
All are welcome to attend MCA’s Monthly Board of Director Meetings (BOD). The BOD meetings are not public forums and thus discussions will be limited to elected Directors. Anyone wishing to address the Board must get approval from the MCA President ( President@mcleancitizens.org) prior to the BOD meeting.
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Any registered Fairfax County voter can vote early, and can cast their ballot at any early voting site. You do not need to submit an application to early vote, but you must be registered to vote. Check your voter registration before you come.
Ballot drop-off boxes will be are located outside the voting room. You may drop off your completed mailed absentee ballot to satellite locations when they are open for early voting (hours are below). At the Fairfax County Government Center, the box is located in the lobby. There’s no need to wait in line, and a poll worker attends the box at all times.
Update: There is now a 24-7 drop box at the Fairfax County Government Center. It is a large red box located outside the building, on the left side of the main entrance.
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Saturday hours do not begin until October 17
October 14 - 31 hours will be: Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
October 14 - 31
Monday through Friday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
The last day to vote early is Saturday, Oct. 31, at 5 p.m.
This and more information is available on the Office of Elections website here. |
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Stay Informed about COVID-19 |
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Fairfax County is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Residents are strongly encouraged to utilize the resources listed below:
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