Celebrating Women's History Month | | These four words (above) frequently describe the many influential women who have shaped our country. During Women’s History Month, we often focus on national figures who have made history, but what about the women making a difference every day right here in the Mount Vernon District? | | Our office works closely with many dedicated and strong female leaders in local civic associations. Katherine Ward, Co-Chair of the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Associations (MVCCA), is a powerhouse advocate and resident who has served on the Council since 2007. You’ll often find her juggling responsibilities at both the MVCCA and Potomac Riverkeeper Network tables in our Town Meeting exhibit hall, while championing important community needs. The MVCCA board is also led by many incredible women like Tamara Srader (Secretary), Cathy Hosek (Education Chair), Bindu Mathur (Planning & Zoning Chair), Ellen Young (Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation Rep) and Marty Lowery (Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations Rep). Marty also dedicates her time in our office, assisting with events and helping to research information for special projects throughout the District. In Lorton, Wendy Henley, President and Education Committee Chair of the South County Federation, works tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all residents and to help create a sense of community in South County. Her longtime commitment to community service continues to have a lasting, positive impact across the region. | | Katherine Ward and Christine Morin | | |
Then there are the many women we see day in and day out during election season. If you’ve ever voted early at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center or visited our farmers market, chances are you’ve met Jessica Nichols (Mount Vernon Dems) and Valerie Wohlleben (Fairfax GOP). Whether it’s raining, snowing or a perfect sunny day, they’re outside talking to voters, registering new ones, answering questions and ensuring that every voice is heard.
Beyond these amazing women are countless federal workers, teachers, social workers, stay-at-home and working moms, small business owners and CEOs who are shaping our community, lifting others up and inspiring those around them. If you would like to read more stories of local women making a difference, the County has highlighted several female leaders, including my Chief of Staff, Christine Morin. Check out their stories here.
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FINAL CALL! Donate to Our Menstrual Product Drive
Access to menstrual products is a basic necessity, yet many individuals in our community struggle to afford them. Period poverty causes unnecessary disruptions in daily life, school and work. Please join the Board of Supervisors and various County agencies through Monday, March 31 in supporting our local shelters and nonprofits by donating new and sealed packages of tampons, pads, liners and menstrual cups. Donations can be dropped in the designated bin outside my office, 2511 Parkers Lane. Learn more.
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Did You Know Fairfax County Health Department Has a Homeless Health Care Program?
The Homeless Healthcare Program is a collaboration between the Fairfax County Health Department, the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board and non-profits that assists unhoused clients through referrals to community resources, acute medical care, education and more. Learn more.
FCPS Launches “Become Unskippable” Fentanyl Prevention Campaign
Teens skip things that don't interest them, especially talks with their parents. But Fairfax County loses teens to fentanyl overdoses every year – so it's important to have short, impactful talks with them about the risks. As a parent or caregiver, you have the power to become “unskippable” and talk with your teen in a way they will listen. See tips for talking with your teen about fentanyl and other difficult subjects. Watch this video to learn more about becoming unskippable.
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Our Minds Matter Launches New “Be for Real Campaign”
This new campaign was created based on the data from the Fairfax County Youth Survey and the Fairfax County Opioid Overdose dashboard. This campaign sets out to:
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Increase the percentage of youth reporting three or more protective factors.
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Reduce the percentage of students who report using/misusing substances, including opioids.
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Decrease the percentage of students reporting feelings of sadness or hopelessness.
Learn more.
March is National Nutrition Month 2025
Help people learn how to make informed food choices and develop healthful eating and physical activity habits. Food brings people together, shapes cultures and environments and supports overall health and well-being. Nutrition isn’t just what’s on our plate – it's about the connections we build through food. Learn more.
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F45 Training
Looking for a high-energy, results-driven workout? F45 Training has officially opened its doors at 9900 Power House Rd., bringing its signature 45-minute functional fitness classes to Liberty Market! Whether you're into cardio, resistance, hybrid training or recovery sessions, F45 offers a dynamic group workout experience designed to keep you motivated and moving. Stop by and check it out!
Hours:
Monday–Friday: 5 a.m.–12:30 p.m., 4:30–7:30 p.m.
Saturday & Sunday: 7–10:30 a.m.
If you have a small business you would like to see featured here, please email mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov and tell us about it.
| | Community Information & Events | | |
2025 Walk & Win Challenge
Fairfax County Department of Transportation is launching a new challenge from April 2-30, to encourage residents to explore designated walking loops, share their experiences and compete for weekly prizes and District-wide bragging rights. Walk. Share. Win. It's that simple! Learn more.
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Fairfax 250: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Celebration Begins!
The countdown to America’s 250th anniversary has begun, and Fairfax County is ready to celebrate! The Fairfax County 250th Commission is leading the charge, partnering with local organizations, businesses and community leaders to bring history to life through exciting events, engaging programs and unforgettable experiences. As part of Virginia’s statewide initiative, Fairfax 250 will highlight the County’s diverse stories, its role in the nation’s founding and the vibrant communities that continue to shape our future. From interactive exhibits to lively festivals, there’s something for everyone! Don't miss a moment, visit the website and subscribe to the Fairfax 250 newsletter.
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Annual Little Hunting Creek Cleanup
Saturday, April 5, 9 a.m. - noon
Meet at Janna Lee Ave Bridge
Majority Leader Scott Surovell and Delegate Paul Krizek are partnering with the Friends of Little Hunting Creek (LHC) to sponsor the annual LHC Cleanup. LHC is one of the most severely degraded streams in Fairfax County. Volunteers will spend the day removing trash, litter and debris from two sites in the uppermost watershed of the creek where it originates in Hybla Valley. Water, trash bags and cleaning supplies will be provided to all volunteers. RSVP.
Additional locations with the Friends of LHC:
Help remove trash from other key areas from 9 a.m. - noon, including:
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Fort Hunt Elementary School – Meet near the tennis courts. (Contact: Donna Stauffer, donnastauffer56@gmail.com)
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Colonel John Byers Park – Meet at the playground area. (Contact: Greg Crider, gregdcrider@aol.com)
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Audubon Estates – Meet at the basketball court. RSVP here. (Contact: Renee Grebe, renee.grebe@natureforward.org)
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Mount Vernon Plaza – Join Senator Scott Surovell & Delegate Paul Krizek near the Sherwin Williams Paint Store. RSVP here.
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Riverside Park (GW Parkway) – Meet at the bathrooms to clean up both sides of the bridge. (Contact: Alyssa Schaaf, alyssaschaaf@mail.weber.edu)
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Potomac River Shoreline – Kayakers needed! Paddle along the shoreline to collect trash. (Contact: Mark Miller, 202-590-7761)
Community service hours available for students! Be sure to wear sturdy waterproof shoes, long sleeves and bring water. Learn more.
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Inova Community Health Grants Application Now Open
Inova is now accepting Community Health Opportunities applications. This grant program supports local non-profit healthcare community partners that make a difference in the quality of life, health and welfare of our communities. Applicants must be tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations and serve Northern Virginia residents and families with a focus on health access, behavioral health and/or economic stability. Applications must be submitted by April 18 at noon. Learn more.
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2025 Site Specific Plan Amendment Process Moves Into Screening Phase
Fifty-three nominations were received during the 2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) submission period, and 43 nominations were accepted into the screening phase this month. Community meetings will be held this Spring to provide information about the nominated sites and gather public feedback. The MVD has three eligible projects–Kings Crossing Lidl (Office Depot) for multi-family residential use, a new hotel and storage at Newington Road and Loisdale Road and a multi-family residential development facility on Pohick Road. Learn more.
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Think Spring! 12 Ways to Get Ready for Gardening and Growing Season
With temperatures rising and spring bulbs poking through the earth, the County offers tips/services to get your lawn and garden ready for spring. Learn more.
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Help Migrating Birds This Spring by Turning Off Unnecessary Lights
Light pollution endangers the millions of migrating birds over Fairfax County each spring. Residents and businesses can help birds in transit by reducing excessive outdoor lighting through May 31. “Lights Out for Birds” is the latest County-supported campaign to reduce light pollution and improve dark skies. Learn more.
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Play Senior Softball in Northern Virginia
If you are interested in a fun, sporty summer, and love slow pitch softball, this is a great opportunity for you. Northern Virginia Senior Softball (NVSS) has three leagues, for all skill levels, for men over 50, and women over 40. Games are played Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Season starts April 8, but prospective players can join throughout the season. Contact Artie Negrin for questions at 336-596-6960. Learn more.
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Free Art Lessons for Veterans in Honor of Service
The Patriot Art Foundation is offering free watercolor instruction for veterans with two upcoming opportunities!
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Watercolor Bootcamp – A free six-week online course starting April 7. Registration is open now! Classes will be hosted on the Terracotta platform, requiring a second registration after signing up.
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In-Person Class – Join on April 14 at the National Museum of the U.S. Army for a hands-on watercolor session.
To register for either class, email info@patriotartfoundation.org. For the in-person class, include “April 14 – Fort Belvoir” in the subject line. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore your creativity!
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Mount Vernon Rec Center Updates
The Mount Vernon Rec Center renovation and expansion project is continuing on schedule with anticipated completion in May. For project updates, the Park Authority has a Winter 2025 renovation status report up on their website. The building is currently undergoing a series of inspections. Additionally, many of you have noticed the red panels installed in certain areas of the building. These are just temporary to complete the enclosure and will be replaced with the approved grey panels in the next few weeks. Learn more about the project.
The Park Authority is holding open hire events to fill over 290 part-time positions at the Rec Center.
- Wednesday, April 16, 4 - 6 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
- Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
- Monday, April 21, 5 - 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library
Learn more.
| | Atrium Grand Staircase and Climbing Wall | | Upper Fitness Cardio Room | | | |
The Commons, Mount Vernon Project Updates
The Commons, Mount Vernon renovation and adaptive reuse project is continuing on schedule with an anticipated completion of Summer 2026. This month, the construction team has been busy with key site improvements, including installing domestic water and stormwater piping, grading the future parking lot and beginning excavation for the Welcome Center foundations. Crews are also restoring steel windows, managing invasive species and pruning select trees. For work being done in April, the construction update can be viewed here.
| Cleanup Success at 8800 Richmond Highway | | | | |
The County has acquired the properties at 8800 Richmond Highway. Buying the land near Dogue Creek is the first step in restoring the area to its natural stormwater functions and improving the creek’s water quality, prior to opening the property to the community for passive recreation.
Last Thursday, the Operation Stream Shield (OSS) team returned to 8800 Richmond Highway for another round of cleanup, removing an impressive 72 more bags of trash. Combined with their previous effort, that’s a total of 156 bags cleared from the site! Thanks to their hard work, the area is now clean and looking much better.
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