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Community Champion: Colonel Frank Cohn
It's not every day you get to celebrate someone's 100th birthday! I was pleased to proclaim August 2, 2025 as Colonel Frank Cohn Day in Fairfax County in recognition of his century of life, service and dedication to our country. Frank is truly a special community leader.
Frank's Story: In 1938, just ten days before Kristallnacht (also known as the Night of Broken Glass), Frank and his family escaped Nazi persecution. Their arrival in New York, followed by an Executive Order from President Roosevelt protecting in-country refugees, saved their lives and marked the beginning of his extraordinary American story. At 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, became a citizen during basic training and went on to serve as an intelligence agent during World War II, helping liberate six key German cities. After active duty, Frank remained in the military, ultimately serving for 35 years and retiring as a Colonel. Following retirement, Frank worked for the University of Maryland for 14 years and served in several civic positions, such as Co-Chair of the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Associations and as Transportation Commissioner for the Mount Vernon District. Today, Frank still shares his remarkable story as part of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum’s Speakers Bureau, inspiring generations to remember the motto: “Never Again.” Frank lives his life through the ideas taught by his parents: "To do the proper and right thing, to be honest and faithful – your character does not change.”
Frank is one of those people that you meet once, and never forget. His laugh is infectious and he has a gift of bringing people together and energizing everyone around him. Happy 100th Birthday, Frank! Read more about Frank's life in an article by the U.S. Army.
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Applications Open for Fall 2025 Public Health Youth Ambassadors Program
The Public Health Youth Ambassador Program trains 10th through 12th grade high school students across Fairfax County about methods to reduce opioid use, teen mental health issues and becoming a Community Health Worker. Learn more.
Sign Up to Receive Food for Thought Newsletter
Are you interested in food service operations in Fairfax County? Keep abreast of important health and safety regulations and requirements by signing up for the Food for Thought eNews publications (found under the Health & Human Services tab). Whether you’re a food truck, café or food hall, Food for Thought will have interesting and actionable content for YOU. English and Spanish versions are available.
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Fairfax Area Agency on Aging and Inova ElderLink’s Virtual Reality Training Wins USAging Achievement Award
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Inova ElderLink received a 2025 USAging Achievement Award for their virtual reality program, Exploring the Dimensions of Aging. The award recognizes the most contemporary, effective and replicable programs offered by AAA that help older adults, people with disabilities and family caregivers live with independence and dignity in their homes and communities. Learn more.
Fairfax County is Saving Young Lives Through Community-Based Treatment
Fairfax County is taking a new approach to help kids struggling with opioid addiction. Instead of making families travel far for treatment, the County is bringing mental health services right to their neighborhoods. Learn more.
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Nepenthe Gallery
Nepenthe Gallery is a vibrant art space in Hollin Hall with a dynamic collection of fine art. Located at 7918 Fort Hunt Road, the gallery showcases works from local, national and international artists, offering a diverse range of paintings, sculptures, photography and more. Visitors can explore the gallery Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and say hi to owner, Carrie Garland. Additionally, every Thursday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Nepenthe hosts an ART + WINE + CHEESE event, highlighting different artists, artworks or special guests. Whether you're an art enthusiast or looking to add a unique piece to your collection, Nepenthe Gallery offers a welcoming space to discover and appreciate art.
If you have a local business you would like to see featured here, please email mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov and tell us about it.
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Back-to-School Readiness for Fairfax County Public Schools
Back-to-School Immunization Clinics
Did you know Virginia has immunization requirements for attendance? The Fairfax County Health Department’s back-to-school immunization clinics are happening now at the Mount Vernon Public Health Center at 8350 Richmond Highway, Suite 233 to help you get back to school ready. These clinics are happening through August 22 with various dates and times. Appointments are encouraged, but walk-ins are also welcome. Learn more.
School Bus Safety Program
The School Bus Safety Program keeps children safe as they enter and exit the school bus by recording and fining drivers who illegally pass stopped school buses. A driver should never pass a bus whose stop arm is extended. Violators will receive a $250 citation in the mail. Remember to Take a Moment to keep everyone safe!
Student Information System (SIS) ParentVUE
Parents and guardians can sign up for SIS ParentVUE, a parent account to receive emails, SMS and phone notifications about emergencies, attendance and outreach messages. Learn more.
2025-26 School Year Calendar
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10th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon Community Bike Ride
Early Bird Special! - REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 5
Join us for the 10th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon Community Bike Ride on Saturday, October 18 starting and ending at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House! Register by September 5 and receive an Early Bird Special discounted rate and be guaranteed a pair of limited edition tie-dye Tour de Mount Vernon socks! The ride will kick off at 8:30 a.m. and take riders on a fun journey through the many Potomac Banks historic, ecological and cultural sites in the northern and central parts of the Mount Vernon District with route options of 20 or 40 miles. The routes consist of paved roads and trails and have some challenging sections. Ride monitors and Fairfax County Police will help with directions and keep everyone safe. The TdMV ride ends with music, famous sweet potato chili, beverages and fun. Join us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this fun community tradition! Learn more and register today!
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Early Voting for September 9 Special Election – 11th Congressional District
Early voting is happening NOW for the September 9 Special Election to fill the late Congressman Gerry Connolly’s seat. Only voters who reside in the 11th Congressional District are eligible to vote in the special election. To confirm your eligibility, go to the Citizen Portal or call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776.
Where to Vote:
Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy, Conf. Room 7
- Open now through September 6
- Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Saturdays (August 30 & September 6): 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Closed Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
Lorton Community Center, 9520 Richmond Hwy
- Open August 29 – September 6
- Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- CLOSED Monday, September 1 (Labor Day)
*The MV Governmental Center is NOT an early voting location for this special election.* Additional locations can be found here.
You can register to vote or update your registration by Tuesday, September 2, and same day registration is still available on September 9. For those planning to vote by mail, request an absentee ballot by Friday, August 29. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by September 9.
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Meet Major Marques Lowery
Major Marques Lowery is the new Franconia District Station Commander. Major Lowery began his FCPD career in 2007 in Franconia as a Patrol Officer and Neighborhood Patrol. He has led specialized units including Search and Rescue, and served as Assistant Commander of the Fair Oaks District and Special Investigations Division. Major Marisa Kuhar, who previously served as Commander, has been promoted to Deputy Chief for Patrol Bureau I. The Franconia Police District patrols parts of the Lorton area.
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ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grantees
Congratulations to the Mount Vernon District ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grantees. This year the Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre and The National Concert Band of America received grants. These organizations bring life to our neighborhoods through music and creativity. Through the ongoing support from the Board of Supervisors, ArtsFairfax has awarded nearly $600,000 in Operating Support Grants this year to 56 groups across the County. Learn more.
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GMU Support Programs for Recently Displaced Workers
In response to the recent displacement of more than 120,000 workers, including federal employees and contractors, George Mason University has expanded programs to provide immediate, easily accessible supports to displaced workers seeking new career opportunities, pursuing further education or accessing resources to sustain their personal and professional well-being. Learn more.
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Take the Survey to Help Reimagine the Future Mount Vernon Governmental Center
For decades, the Mount Vernon Governmental Center, Fire Station, Police Station and Library at Sherwood Hall and Parkers Lane have been essential resources for residents. We're now exploring how to revitalize the site with improved facilities and added community amenities. Your voice matters in this process—please take a moment to complete the survey and share your ideas for the future of this important community space. If you don't have access to take the survey, you are invited to come in-person to our office (2511 Parkers Lane) and take the survey!
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Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP)
Senior FMNP provides eligible older adults and seniors with a $50 benefit to purchase fresh produce and herbs from participating farmers at local farmers markets. FMNP is looking to enroll up to 772 older adults and senior shoppers by the application deadline, September 30. Learn more and apply.
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Celebrate Fairfax Award Nominations
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Celebrate Fairfax Awards! These awards honor the incredible individuals, events and partnerships that make Fairfax County a vibrant, welcoming and connected community. Categories include Event, Partnership and Ambassador of the Year. Nominations are open now through August 31. Learn more.
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Mount Vernon Rec Center Pool
UPDATE: The Mount Vernon Rec Center pool will be reopening to the public late summer/early fall due to unforeseen construction issues. We will keep you updated as we know more. The renovated Rec Center reopened in early June, learn more.
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The Commons Mount Vernon Project Update
The Commons Mount Vernon renovation and adaptive reuse project is moving forward, with an expected opening of Winter 2027. Crews continue making progress across the site, including installation of stormwater utilities, curb and gutter work, HVAC and electrical rough-ins and plumbing installation. Work also continues on the Annex over the auditorium stage. Light poles are being installed, asphalt has been placed in the south parking lot and concrete footers, piers and topping slabs are underway in several locations. Auditorium panel removal and cleaning has begun, along with geothermal piping and installation. For additional work being done this month, the construction update can be viewed here.
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