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Community Champions: Sallie Lyons and Shikha Dixit
Every year, Volunteer Fairfax puts together a Volunteer Service Awards ceremony to honor our extraordinary volunteers in Fairfax County. This year I had the honor of recognizing two outstanding leaders: Sallie Lyons and Shikha Dixit.
Sallie was named the 2025 Mount Vernon District Community Champion for her 20 years of service on the Fairfax County History Commission and her tireless work to preserve and share our local history. Through founding and supporting key organizations like the Friends of Fairfax County Archaeology and Cultural Resources and the Mount Vernon Regional Historical Society, she has not only preserved our history but helped write herstory into the fabric of the Mount Vernon District. Her leadership, determination and kind presence inspire all of us who care deeply about where we come from and who we are as a community.
Shikha was recognized with the Impact Leadership Honor, which celebrates changemakers across the County. As founder of STEAMOLOGY, she’s opened doors for underserved youth in STEM and the arts—igniting curiosity, confidence and opportunity for thousands of students. Shikha's dedication to our community and her ability to inspire everyone is truly something special. We are fortunate and deeply thankful that she has shared this passion with so many young people in our District.
Thank you, Sallie and Shikha, for helping to shape a stronger, more vibrant Mount Vernon.
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How You Can Stay Protected from Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is the most reported tick-borne disease in the Fairfax area. In 2025, 80 cases of Lyme disease have been reported in the Fairfax Health District so far. Exposure to ticks can occur in many places, including your own backyard. It is important to always perform a tick check after spending time outside, especially if you have been in brushy, wooded or high grass areas. Learn more.
July is Plastic-Free Month
Fairfax County Farmers Markets are plastic bag-free this year. Bring your own reusable bags to shop for produce and other items. As a reminder, as of July 1, 2025, food establishments in Virginia with 20+ locations must stop using styrofoam containers. Styrofoam is a petroleum-based, lightweight, rigid plastic material which does not degrade over time, creating a hazard for nature, wildlife and human health.
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Help is Available Day or Night with Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, help is available 24/7 from mobile crisis teams and walk-in services at the Sharon Bulova Center for Community Health. Call or text 9-8-8 for mental health concerns. Learn more.
Get Ahead This Summer and Schedule Your Child's Vaccines Today
This is a great time of year to get your children up to date on their immunizations. Parents and caregivers are urged to make an appointment for their child now with their healthcare provider to avoid the last-minute rush before the 2025-26 school year starts. Learn more.
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Yido Ramen and Sushi
Ice hockey legend, Alex Ovechkin's favorite restaurant in Tysons has now opened a new location in Belle View! Yido Ramen and Sushi (1612 Belle View Blvd) is serving up delicious tonkotsu, miso and shoyu broths and creative sushi rolls. Stop by Monday, Wednesday–Saturday from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. & 4 p.m. – 10 p.m., or Sunday from 11:30 a.m. –10 p.m. to support our new local business.
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 Community Day
Saturday, August 2, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Lorton Community Center, 9520 Richmond Highway
Have some fun while you are getting ready for the new school year! Join me, School Board Member Mateo Dunne, Neighborhood and Community Services, Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) and Fairfax County Public Library for our 3rd Annual Back to School Community Day! Enjoy a family-friendly day of fun with FREE giveaways of backpacks and school supplies, health screenings, free food, music, yard games, exhibitors, touch-a-truck and much more!
School Supply Giveaway Information:
School supplies are for Fairfax County residents only and proof of home address will be checked. Parents without children present will only receive ONE bag. Parents with children present will receive one bag per child. School supplies will be given away on a first come, first served basis.
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Donate to LCAC's Back 2 School Drive
Back to School is an exciting time in the life of a child and their parents! However, many low-income families in southeast Fairfax County worry about purchasing school supplies. YOU, your friends, colleagues and neighbors can help minimize the worry and ensure a confident start to the school year by donating a new backpack (that supports a laptop) and/or supplies. Here is how it works:
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Review the sign-up list and select the item(s) you plan to purchase.
- Either bring the items to LCAC, 9520 Richmond Highway, on Sunday, August 3, from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. OR order items online and have them shipped to LCAC at 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton, VA 22079, attn: Christen Scott.
*All items need to arrive or be dropped off by August 4.* If you have any questions, email Christen@LortonAction.org.
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United Community School Readiness Drive
Every child deserves to step into the school year feeling confident—but too many face that first day without the basics. United Community and Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue are getting ready to send 900+ students back to school in August. Donate to their School Readiness Drive today to help students tackle their first day.
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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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Real Estate 1st Installment Bills Mailed; Payments Due on July 28
As a reminder, real estate taxes are due on July 28. If you have not yet received your bill, you may find the taxes owed on the County website. If you plan to pay via smartphone or online, you will need this year's stub number from your real estate tax bill. If you wish to pay now and do not have a current bill, call the Department of Tax Administration at 703-222-8234 to obtain your stub number. If you have a mortgage with an escrow account, you will not receive a bill. Instead, your bill will be sent to the mortgage company. Learn more.
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We Want YOU for the Mount Vernon District Commission for Women!
Help serve your community by serving on the Commission for Women, which is a part of the Fairfax County Boards, Authorities and Commissions (BAC). The Commission for Women promotes the full equality of women and girls in Fairfax County. Please ask your friends, neighbors and community members if they are willing to help serve Fairfax County. Apply today by sending a copy of your resume to mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov. For more information, please download the brochure for a brief guide to BACs, or learn more on the County website.
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Boston Boulevard Costco Community Meeting
Monday, August 4, 7-8:30 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Join Department of Planning and Development for a virtual community meeting to learn about a potential Comprehensive Plan Amendment and proposed development in the Fullerton Industrial Park area near Boston Boulevard and Fullerton Road. The proposal includes expanding the existing Costco site to add a member-only gas station with 12 fuel pumps and additional parking. County staff and property representatives will be on hand to share details and hear your feedback. Learn more.
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NCS Seeks Partners for Taxi Pilot Program
Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS) is seeking partners for a Taxi Pilot Program to help transport older adults and individuals with a disability to non-emergency medical appointments. Learn more.
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Fairfax Energy Compass
Fairfax County is launching the Energy Compass program, a new FREE resource designed to help residents reduce energy use, save on utility bills and make their homes more comfortable. Starting in late summer 2025, the Energy Compass program will provide personalized support through a local Energy Navigator who will offer expert technical guidance, information on available incentives and connections to certified contractors. Take the 5 minute survey to provide your input to help tailor the program to your needs. Learn more.
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Urgent Need: Towels for the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter
New Hope Housing is in urgent need of new and gently used towels. These simple items make a big difference in helping guests feel clean, comfortable and cared for. All sizes are welcome (bath towels, hand towels, washcloths). They ask that the towels only be clean, gently used or brand new. You can drop off towels at the Eleanor Kennedy Shelter (9155 Richmond Hwy).
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Help Shape Fairfax County's EV Future: Virtual Townhall
Wednesday, August 6, 6-7 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Fairfax County is developing its first Electric Vehicle (EV) Readiness Strategy — a roadmap to support the growing number of electric vehicles on our roads. From public charging stations to building codes, your input will help shape how the County prepares for an EV-friendly future. Learn more.
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Mount Vernon Rec Center Pool
Get ready to make a splash at the Mount Vernon Rec Center! We are THRILLED to announce the pool will be reopening to the public late August. The Mount Vernon Rec Center reopened on June 9 after a little over two years of renovations but due to unforeseen construction issues, the pool opening had been delayed! We are thrilled to soon have this facility fully operational.
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Reworld Force Main Replacement
The Reworld Force Main Replacement – Phase 1 Project included the replacement of 2,500 linear feet of deteriorated and eroded 8” Ductile Iron Pipe (DIP) force main with 10” HDPE pipe. This force main discharges wastewater from the Reworld Pump Station, serving the Reworld Solid Waste Disposal Facility in Lorton. Phase 2 of the project will extend the force main replacement along Lorton Road to its final destination. Construction of Phase 2 has already begun. This project was substantially completed on March 26, 2025. Learn more.
| | Beginning of Work in October 2024, Redirection From Bypass Pump | | Substantial Phase 1 Completion, March 2025 | | |
The Commons Mount Vernon Project Updates
The Commons Mount Vernon renovation and adaptive reuse project remains on track, with an expected opening of Winter 2027. Construction crews continue to make progress across the site. Recent activity includes construction and asphalt placement in the south parking lot, ongoing interior demolition and continued installation of stormwater and sanitary piping. Restoration work on the cupola and historic steel windows is underway, along with roof construction above the gym and installation of the auditorium catwalk. Electrical rough-ins and HVAC work also continue throughout multiple areas of the building. For additional work being done this month, the construction update can be viewed here.
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