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Hispanic Heritage Month Community Champion
September 15-October 15
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Community Champion: Itzia Vazquez
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the vibrant history, culture and diversity of Hispanic communities. And, what better way to do that than by sharing resident stories? Meet Itzia Vazquez, a Community Organizer with United Community’s Opportunity Neighborhood Mount Vernon (ONMV).
From the moment you meet Itzia, her passion for helping others shines in everything she does. As a Community Organizer, she works to build stronger neighborhoods by listening to community needs, advocating for solutions and connecting families to opportunities that promote wellness, inclusion, education and career readiness. Itzia leads a team of United Community Neighborhood Ambassadors, equipping them to serve as trusted leaders and advocates in their communities. This past winter, our office partnered with ONMV and Fairfax County Fire and Rescue for our Get Alarmed initiative, which brought hundreds of free smoke detectors to our mobile home communities. Itzia was vital in connecting us with Neighborhood Ambassadors that encouraged participation in the initiative and increased our engagement. She also organizes local food distributions and has established a partnership with Progreso Literacy and Citizenship Center to promote English and citizenship classes.
For Itzia, Hispanic Heritage Month is a celebration of identity, resilience and opportunity. As she says, “We are hardworking, humble people with dreams and aspirations. This nation has provided us with opportunities to shine and share our unique stories. I proudly embrace my Mexican heritage, as it shapes my identity and fuels my passion for community service.”
Thank you, Itzia, for uplifting your neighbors and inspiring us through your service. If anyone is interested in joining ONMV, they are looking for members who wish to serve as Neighborhood Ambassadors. Learn more.
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5 Things to Know from the 2024-2025 Youth Survey
Since 2001, the VA Youth Survey has helped to examine behaviors, experiences and other factors that influence the health and well-being of the County's youth. More than 32,000+ 8th, 10th and 12th grade FCPS students participated in the 2024-25 annual youth survey. An additional 12,000 6th graders took the shortened version of the survey. Students have continued to report improvements in their mental health since the pandemic with the lowest reported rates of substance use in over a decade. Learn more.
September is Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide is preventable and can affect anyone regardless of race, skin color, age and economic or social status. The County offers numerous resources and support services to assist those in need. Call or text 9-8-8, the 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Hotline. Learn more.
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Got COVID Vaccine Questions?
The FDA recently approved an updated COVID-19 vaccine for certain groups (people ages 65 and older and people under age 65 with conditions that put them at higher risk of severe illness). Get the most recent updates, and answers to all your COVID-19 vaccine questions on the Fairfax County Health Department webpage.
Preparing for Respiratory Illness Season: What You Need to Know
In a recent edition of the “County Conversation” podcast, Mandy Burton, a respiratory epidemiologist with the Health Department, discussed how COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are expected to increase in the coming months, making vaccination and prevention strategies more important than ever. Learn more.
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Mi Sol Tortilleria & Parrillada
If you’ve driven past The Commons Mount Vernon recently, you may have caught the mouthwatering aroma drifting from Mi Sol Tortilleria & Parrillada (8339 Richmond Hwy) next door. This local spot brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico to your plate, with chicken, beef, pork and sausage sizzling on the grill, plus a mini market inside stocked with authentic ingredients and everyday essentials. Open daily from 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m., stop by and check them out!
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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Small Business Forum - How to Safeguard Your Business
Wednesday, September 24, 8-10 a.m.
Primo Family Restaurant, 1636 Belle View Blvd.
September is National Preparedness Month, and I’m pleased to share that my office, in partnership with the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives, is hosting a FREE Small Business Event – How to Safeguard Your Business. Enjoy coffee and pastries as you hear directly from County leaders and first responders on how to prepare for the unexpected—from natural disasters to security threats. Speakers include experts from Fairfax CORE, the Department of Emergency Management and Security, Fairfax County Police and Fire and Rescue. You’ll walk away with tools, resources and connections to strengthen your business’s ability to respond to and recover from emergencies. We hope our small businesses will take advantage of this important opportunity to safeguard what you’ve built while connecting with County resources.
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In-Person Early Voting for the November 4, 2025 General Election
Early voting begins this Friday, September 19 through Saturday, November 1 for the November 4, 2025 General Election to elect the Virginia Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and all seats for the House of Delegates. Fairfax County will also be voting on School Bond Referendums.
Where to vote early:
Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Mount Vernon
- September 19 – November 1
- Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturdays (Sept. 20, Oct. 25, Nov. 1): 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sundays (Oct. 26): 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
- OPEN Monday, October 13 (Columbus Day): 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Opening on October 23:
Lorton Community Center, 9520 Richmond Highway, Lorton
- October 23 – November 1
- Monday – Friday: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturdays: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Sunday (Oct. 26): 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Additional locations can be found here.
You can register to vote or update your registration by October 24, and same day registration is still available October 25 - November 4. For those planning to vote by mail, request an absentee ballot by October 24 at 5 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on or before election day.
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Make a Difference in Your Community! Join Neighborhood College!
Neighborhood College is back! This FREE, 7-week virtual certificate program is open to all Mount Vernon District residents who want to learn more about Fairfax County, get involved and make a real impact in our community. Each week, you’ll enjoy engaging guest speakers, interactive activities, breakout discussions, networking opportunities and find out information on advisory boards and volunteer roles where you can contribute meaningfully.
Mount Vernon Neighborhood College graduates will:
- Learn how Fairfax County Government works and how to get involved.
- Understand demographic profiles and trends within a community context.
- Explore topics that impact the social and economic well-being of the neighborhoods and communities.
- Apply principles and strategies for inclusive community engagement and outreach.
- Enhance leadership and problem-solving skills to improve neighborhood livability.
Hear from a past graduate: "Neighborhood College was an incredible experience! It gave me a wonderful opportunity to explore the many County agencies that are here to support residents. Even as a retired County employee, I learned so much—every presentation was both informative and fun. On top of that, I met amazing classmates from diverse backgrounds, many of whom I’m still lucky to stay in touch with today." — Shirley Short, 2022 Graduate
Classes will be held virtually on consecutive Thursday evenings from September 25 -November 6, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Applications must be submitted by Thursday, September 25. Apply online today!
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Fairfax County FCDOT 2026 Roadway Restriping Proposals Virtual Community Meeting
Tuesday, September 23, 7 p.m.
Microsoft Teams
Meeting ID: 260 571 363 264 7; Passcode: 8XR3NP9u
FCDOT is hosting an online meeting to discuss the proposals for restriping some roadways next year, to include bicycle lanes and marked crosswalks where possible. The Mount Vernon District Meeting will be on the following locations:
- Beacon Hill Road between Richmond Highway and Quander Road
- Belle View Boulevard between Quander Road and Boulevard View
- Lorton Road between Hooes Road and Silverbrook Road
- Quander Road between Richmond Highway and Emmett Drive
- Southrun Road between Silverbrook Road and Catia Lane
Learn more.
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10th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon Community Bike Ride
Saturday, October 18, 8:30 a.m. Ride Kickoff
Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Hwy.
Get ready to ride! Celebrate a decade of cycling fun at the 10th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon, starting and ending at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House. Choose your adventure with a 40- or 20-mile route and pedal through the scenic northern and central Mount Vernon District, including a picturesque stretch through Fort Belvoir. Riders will receive limited-edition tie-dye Tour de Mount Vernon socks (while supplies last), and the day concludes with music, famous sweet potato chili, beverages and comradery. Don’t miss out on this milestone event and join us to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this great community tradition! Learn more and register today! Looking to volunteer? Check out any of our TdMV volunteer opportunities.
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Elly Doyle Park Service Awards
Last week we celebrated the recipients of the Elly Doyle Park Service Awards which recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions over the last year for the Park Authority. Congratulations to Aimee Vosper for receiving the Chairman's Choice Award and Carolyn Gamble for receiving the Elly Doyle Award! Aimee is Deputy Director of the Park Authority and oversees key divisions and fosters partnerships with the Park Foundation, advancing environmental stewardship and enhancing recreational opportunities countywide. Aimee has done a great deal for projects in the Mount Vernon District, including Overlook Park in Lorton and Grist Mill Park renovations and is retiring after 10.5 years with the Park Authority! Carolyn retired from Huntley Meadows Park Site Manager after 30 years and has volunteered for more than a decade supporting the park and Historic Huntley. She created a major exhibit for their anniversaries and co-led efforts to increase park funding, strengthening community connection and advocacy. Learn more.
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DRPT Encourages Virginians to Try Transit with New Ride Home Rewards Program
The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) is making it easier than ever for Virginians to explore the benefits of sustainable travel this fall. Try Transit Week, September 15-19, encourages everyone to give public transit a try and be entered in to win prizes. DRPT is also introducing Ride Home Rewards, a new program that gives commuters peace of mind when choosing shared travel options like carpools, vanpools and public transit. Learn more.
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Virginia’s Blue Envelope Program: Safer Traffic Stops for Drivers with Autism
The Blue Envelope Program supports both drivers who have autism and law enforcement during traffic stops. The envelope can be used to store important documents like driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and proof of insurance. Get the envelopes at DMV customer service centers or on the DMV website. Learn more.
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Cleaning Up Richmond Highway
Thanks to the swift and coordinated response of Mount Vernon District Police Station and Parking Enforcement, our office successfully addressed prohibited on-street vehicle maintenance and abandoned vehicle parking along the service road in front of Green Olive Buffet, AutoZone Auto Parts and Steven’s Auto Clinic. This activity obstructed both the roadway and sidewalk, creating safety, accessibility, environmental and cleanliness concerns for nearby businesses, their customers and residents. After receiving complaints from the community, our office worked closely with law enforcement to clear the area and engage with nearby businesses in reporting any future violations. We remain committed to working alongside our public safety partners to ensure our community’s roadways, right-of-ways and sidewalks remain safe and cleaner. If there is an issue you would like to make us aware of, please email us with photos and location at MtVernon@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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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. This month, crews have continued stormwater utility work in the courtyard and on Mohawk Road. Interior demolition continues throughout the building, along with HVAC rough-ins, plumbing, sprinkler installations and electrical feeder lines. Installation of light poles, interior wood features and classroom framing is on-going. Roof work and basement construction continues and preparations for the Welcome Center, including steel installation, are moving ahead. For additional work being done this month, the construction update can be viewed here.
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