Celebrating Black History Month | |
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Community Champion - Ron Chase
History is all around us in Fairfax County, and especially when you live here in the Mount Vernon District! We are fortunate to have so many well-known historic sites such as Mount Vernon Estate, Gunston Hall, Woodlawn & Pope Leighey House, the Workhouse Arts Center and more. But have you ever taken a moment to think about some of the history left out of books that shaped our District and our country? Nearly 191 years ago, Gum Springs was founded by the patriarchal Freedman, West Ford. Gum Springs began as a place for black individuals to prevail, assimilating runaways and freed slaves who migrated there by way of the nearby port of Alexandria.
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 |  | A great place to learn more about Gum Springs is the Gum Springs Museum. This Museum was founded and continues to be operated by Ron Chase, whose great-great grandfather moved to the community in the 1840s. Ron has lived in Gum Springs nearly his entire life after going to school at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and Virginia Commonwealth University. He opened the museum in 1966 and has dedicated every day since then ensuring the legacy of Gum Springs continues to live on. “The knowledge of African American history is essential to the history of our nation. The contributions of individuals who came from Gum Springs helped change the lives of so many such as Annie Smith, the first teacher at Drew-Smith Elementary School, who taught students that would later go on to be doctors and lawyers,” said Ron. He also says that when he walks around the Museum and sees photos of people like Samuel Taylor, who bought land on Fort Hunt Road and resold it to black families (at cost) to build up a community, he is inspired by their perseverance to create a lasting presence.
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During Black History Month, take a moment to stop by the Gum Springs Museum to learn about the men and women who made contributions to not only our District, but the whole nation. For those who know Ron, he pours his heart and soul into the Museum and always has a welcoming smile for everyone, especially new visitors. The Gum Springs Museum, located at 8100 Fordson Road, is open Tuesday - Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturday 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. You can keep up to date on upcoming events and programs on their website and Facebook and keep an eye out for their new magazine coming out in March – History In Motion the Gum Springs Historical Society Magazine. Read more from my article in the Mount Vernon Gazette. Other ways to celebrate Black History Month in Fairfax County.
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Grandma's Famous Cafe
Are you ready to explore the hidden gems of the Mount Vernon District and the Richmond Highway corridor? Our community is bustling with amazing small businesses, and we are excited to feature them in our Good News Advisor! From mouth-watering restaurants to unique shops, we've got it all! And to kick off our very first Small Business Showcase, we're thrilled to introduce you to Grandma's Famous Cafe located at 8723B Cooper Rd. Alexandria. This new small business was one of 15 restaurants featured at the Taste of Mount Vernon at our 37th Mount Vernon District Town Meeting. This friendly cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy homemade authentic Hispanic cuisine, sandwiches, breakfast and delicious treats. Grandma's Famous Cafe is open Monday - Saturday from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. Don't miss out on the chance to support our local businesses. Stay tuned for more exciting features! If you have a small business you would like to see featured, please email mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov at tell us about it.
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Community Information & Events | |
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Lock It Down Online: The Police Department's Guide to Safely Navigating the Internet
Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) understands our lives are intertwined with the online world more than ever before. From connecting with friends on social media to handling personal and financial matters online, the internet has become an integral part of our daily lives. While the benefits are undeniable, it also brings forth new challenges, particularly when it comes to online safety. FCPD is committed to ensuring the safety of our community both offline and online. Follow these recommendations from FCPD to ensure your online safety. Learn more.
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Clean Fairfax February Updates
With warmer weather approaching Clean Fairfax is excited and ready for the best day of the year: Earth Day! Save the Date for Clean Fairfax's annual Earth Daze event on Sunday, April 28. Clean Fairfax will be celebrating at Aslin Beer Co. in Herndon, with tons of fun, family-friendly activities, vendors, music and more.
Clean Fairfax is also excited to announce the newly launched Speakers Bureau. Speakers are available to give engaging presentations on a range of environmental topics. If you are looking for a speaker for your business, community group, HOA, house of worship, conference or organization, take a look at the speaker bios.
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Sticky Handed Thief Gets Stuck in Police’s Quick Response
Officers from the Franconia District Station arrested a man responsible for breaking into multiple cars in Lorton. On February 5, around 4 a.m., officers responded to a report of a man actively breaking into cars near the intersection of Bellwether Court and Shepherd Hills Drive in Lorton. When they arrived, officers discovered a vehicle with a broken window. During a search of the area, officers found Dwayne Anderson Jr., 23, of Lorton hiding inside a car with stolen property in his possession. Learn more.
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Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) Outreach: Sharing Energy Saving Tips with Area Scouts
OEEC staff and volunteers shared home energy and climate action information with two area cub scout groups in recent weeks. Cub scouts from Pack 1967 and Pack 1169 learned about the OEEC HomeWise program through hands-on demonstrations for home energy efficiency. Interested in having an expert from OEEC speak at your next event? Visit the Request a Speaker page to learn more and to submit your request.
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Chamber Business Scholarships for High School Seniors
Applications are now open for business scholarships for graduating high school seniors provided by Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce. Education Partnership Scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded to graduating seniors from our communities pursuing further education in a business related field. The application deadline is Monday, April 29. Learn more.
Four More Things To Know
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Revitalizing Richmond Highway
We are revitalizing our Highway in preparation for the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system - "The One", here are some before/after photos of the VDOT right of way demolitions that are helping us clean up our community.
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8122 Richmond Highway - Near Buckman Road/Richmond Highway Intersection | |
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Mount Vernon Rec Center Updates
The Mount Vernon Rec Center renovation and expansion project is continuing on schedule. See below for photo updates of recent work on the lower level multipurpose rooms, fitness additions, childcare rooms and the upper entrance. Learn more about the project.
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Lower level multipurpose rooms | |
Lower level multipurpose rooms - upper entrance and childcare | |
Two level fitness addition | |
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Laurel Hill Central Green Restrooms Update
The Laurel Hill Central Green Restroom Building project is continuing on schedule. Recent work on the Restroom includes: window installation, roofing installation, a concrete sidewalk and the the addition of an electrical meter box. Learn more.
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