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Community Champion - Vincent Carter
On June 19, 1865, enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom—over two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Juneteenth is a time to reflect and remember the painful history of chattel slavery and honor those who ensure its never forgotten. One of those dedicated voices is this month’s Community Champion, Vincent Carter. A lifelong resident of Gum Springs, Vincent has spent decades preserving Black history and uplifting the stories of his ancestors once enslaved at Woodlawn, as well as those who were enslaved at Mount Vernon and across the nation.
| | Vincent Carter with daughter, Aneka Carter and wife Rev. Vernell Carter | | |
As President of the New Gum Springs Civic Association, he leads community efforts year-round, including the annual Juneteenth Golf Tournament, which blends his passions for Black history and golf. This year’s tournament will be on Thursday, June 19 at the Pohick Bay Golf Course. Vincent also serves as the MVD member on the One Fairfax Community Roundtable, which supports the County’s efforts to advance racial and social equity in alignment with the Countywide Strategic Plan and the One Fairfax Policy. You can also often find him giving talks about Juneteenth and the Negro Baseball Leagues with his longtime friend, Ron Chase.
Growing up, Vincent lived next to the Gum Springs Community Center, the local neighborhood hub where all the kids would spend most of their time, playing games and laughing together. He later worked there with Community Action for many years and it was where he met his wife, Vernell (coming up on 48 years of marriage)!
From delivering the Gum Springs News at age 12 before church to shaping neighborhood development and mentoring new leaders, Vincent has truly dedicated his life to the community that raised him. Thank you, Vincent, for your lifelong commitment to Gum Springs and for making sure we never forget where we came from.
| | Superior Community Service | | |
MVD resident, Amanda Williams, recently received an award from the Fairfax County Police Department for her Superior Community Service in the Interest of Public Safety for her courageous efforts to protect and restore safety in her neighborhood. After criminal activity escalated in her community—including drug use, assaults and theft—Amanda mobilized her HOA, worked with MVD Crime Prevention and Community Outreach Officers and organized a Neighborhood Watch.
Despite fear from neighbors, Amanda led the charge by educating others, signing trespass letters, testifying in court and dedicating hundreds of hours to making her community safer. Her leadership, determination and selfless service have made a lasting difference. Thank you, Amanda, for your commitment to the District and your dedication to make Fairfax County a better place for all of us!
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Don't Overlook Men's Health
In the midst of day-to-day life, men's health can be, and often is, overlooked. Here are five easy things you can talk about with your family:
- Preventive care is key
- Early detection makes a difference
- Know your numbers
- Talk about mental health and seek support
- Prioritize your health and wellbeing
Learn more.
Get Free National Park Passes for 4th Graders
Heading to a national park or other federal recreation site this summer? All 4th grade students are eligible for a FREE year-long national park pass through the Every Kid Outdoors initiative. Learn more.
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Know Your HIV Status: Get Tested at No Charge
Throughout the last week of June, the Fairfax County Health Department is offering free HIV and STI testing and education. If needed, care and treatment support will also be offered. Free walk-in testing is available at the Gerry Hyland Government Center on Friday, June 27, from 8 a.m. - noon. Learn more.
Summer Support for Students
The FCPS Office of Intervention and Prevention Services will offer free virtual Mental Wellness Consultations to parents and secondary students this summer. Each session with a school psychologist or social worker can be held via phone or videoconference and is available until Friday, August 1. Learn more.
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Sherwood Gourmet Deli
A delicious local favorite since 1991, Sherwood Gourmet Deli, is serving up fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, crisp salads and hearty breakfast options just off of Sherwood Hall Lane. Sherwood participated in our Taste of Mount Vernon at our Summer Palooza on June 7 and showcased some of their signature sammies. Stop by this friendly neighborhood spot, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and say hi to owner Larry Newman.
If you have a local business you would like to see featured here, please email mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov and tell us about it.
| | Caps Off to Our MVD Grads | | Congratulations to all our amazing graduates! Your hard work, resilience and determination have paid off, and we can’t wait to see what your future holds! | | Hayfield Secondary School | | | Community Information & Events | | |
Celebrate Juneteenth and Gum Springs Community Day
Join the Gum Springs Community Center Advisory Board (GSCCAB) for activities to celebrate Juneteenth! Learn more about all the fun!
Youth, Staff & Community Basketball Tournament
Friday, June 20, 6:30–8:45 p.m.
Gum Springs Community Center, 8100 Fordson Road
Cheer on GSCC youth, staff and community members in a lively repeat basketball match hosted in partnership with the Young Highway Organization. Enjoy music, food and an exciting evening of competition!
Gum Springs Community Day
Saturday, June 21, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
MLK, Jr. Park, 8115 Fordson Road
Join GSCCAB, The New Gum Springs Civic Association, Gum Springs Youth Athletic Association, Gum Springs Historical Society & Museum and Psi Alpha Alpha Chapter for a day filled with vendors, entertainment, a health fair, carousel and train rides, game truck and food! This year’s theme is “Building Community Unity & Legacy!” Come out and connect with neighbors!
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Mount Vernon Master Plan Community Meeting
Tuesday, June 24, 7-8 p.m.
Walt Whitman Middle School, Lecture Hall
Join me and the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) to learn more about the placemaking and community visioning work we are beginning, as part of the Mount Vernon Governmental Center Master Plan project. For decades, the Governmental Center, Fire Station, Police Station and Library at Sherwood Hall and Parkers Lane have been essential facilities in our community. We're now exploring how to reimagine this space into a vibrant, modern civic hub. The meeting will include a brief presentation from County staff and our consultant, followed by an opportunity to share your thoughts through a short survey. Your feedback will help shape the vision for the future Mount Vernon Center. Learn more.
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Charge Up Fairfax Program
The Charge Up Fairfax program is now accepting applications on a rolling basis! This exciting initiative is designed to help common-interest communities and other organizations install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, improving local air quality and driving us toward a more sustainable future.
This year, the program has introduced three key changes:
- Applications accepted continuously
- Reimbursement grant amounts increased
- New eligible users include places of worship and other nonprofits
With this expansion, these critical community hubs can now benefit from both technical and financial assistance to install Level 2 EV charging stations, starting at $8,000 in reimbursement grants. Learn more.
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Boom, Pop, Wow! Where to Watch Fireworks This Independence Day
If you want to celebrate Independence Day without the crowds of DC, look no further! George Washington's Mount Vernon is holding their annual Independence Fireworks on June 27 and 28 as well as July 4, all from 6-9:30 p.m. The Workhouse Arts Center is also holding their FREE annual FireWorks Spectacular on June 28 from 4-9:30 p.m. Learn more.
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How to Properly Display and Dispose of American Flags
Did you know the average outdoor flag lasts only about 90 days? Flying the stars and stripes outside your home is a great way to showcase pride in our country. But the ever-changing weather and the blasting rays of the sun will inevitably result in a worn-out flag. The United States has a set of laws pertaining to disposal known as the United States Flag Code, or “retiring the flag." Bring old, tattered flags to several County locations (including the Mount Vernon Governmental Center) for proper disposal. Learn more.
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Working Together to Keep Our Roadways Looking Their Best
Did you know that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) maintains nearly all the County’s 7,000 lane miles of roads? Residents and organizations can participate in programs that help the state beautify and maintain roadways. Report road maintenance concerns to VDOT's 24-hour Customer Service Center online or by phone at 1-800-367-7623 (1-800-FOR-ROAD). Learn more.
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Mount Vernon Rec Center - NOW OPEN!
The Mount Vernon Rec Center reopened to the public on June 9 after a little over two years of renovations! To allow for the fun to begin at the start of summer, the center will be opening in stages. Twirl, lift and sweat at the two-level fitness center and the beautiful two new state of the art ice rinks. Summer camps and drop-in fitness classes have also begun and the instructors are ready for you to join them for the fun! On June 23, the climbing wall and drop-in childcare will open. Currently the pool renovations are still underway due to unforeseen construction issues, but we invite you to beat the heat at the Martin Luther King, Jr. pool, which is FREE to all County residents or enjoy the George Washington Rec Center pool which will keep its extended hours through the summer.
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The Commons Mount Vernon Project Updates
The Commons Mount Vernon renovation and adaptive reuse project is continuing on schedule with an anticipated completion of early 2027. Construction crews are making steady progress on both the interior and exterior. Interior demolition and selective roof removal are ongoing throughout the buildings, along with the continued restoration of the historic steel windows. Check out the new flyer to learn more!
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