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Community Champion

George Washington Rec Center Swim Instructor - Beth Campbell

Beth Campbell says, learning to swim isn't just fun, it can save a life. Beth has been a swim instructor for many years and has taught swimming in 6 states. She has been with the Fairfax County Park Authority since 1993 starting at Franconia Rec Center, moving around to 5 Rec Centers in the County and has been teaching at George Washington (GW) Rec Center since 2015. Beth has taught countless children how to swim, focusing much of her time to help children with disabilities. She even spearheaded the difficult project to have a lift installed in the deep end of GW Rec Center to provide everyone access into the pool. When the pandemic hit, Beth found and purchased waterproof masks for her students so she could continue working with them.

Beth's favorite part of her job is seeing her students light up when they accomplish a difficult task. "Their smiles are contagious... [this job] really is my calling" she claims. Beth first started teaching at age 15. The first child she ever taught was a young boy with disabilities who lived by a lake and needed to be a confident swimmer. Beth taught him for 2 years and by the end of instruction he was jumping off the diving board and able to swim 25 yards. That teaching moment sparked her love for the job.

Beth is a swim instructor celebrity in our community, constantly booked and asking her manager to make space for more students. Along with being a wonderful leader, Beth and her family have lived in the Mount Vernon District since 1990 and her children graduated from Mount Vernon High School. Thank you Beth for being an extraordinary educator and giving everyone the opportunity to learn how to swim! Check out group or private swim lessons at GW Rec Center.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

"Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."

~ Martin Luther King Jr.

The above quote is an important reminder that everyone is capable of making a difference by volunteering and giving back. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service to encourage everyone to volunteer and aid in improving their communities. Thank you to everyone who gave a day of service this past Monday, January 16.

Girl Scout Troop 233 sponsored the National Day of Service clean-up at Mason Neck State Park. This was the 10th year a Girl Scout Troop from the Mount Vernon District has sponsored the event.

Community Information & Events

Community Meeting - Rollins Drive at Fort Hunt Road Closure

Thursday, January 26, 6:30 p.m.

Belle View Elementary School

6701 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will be holding an in-person community meeting regarding a proposal for the closure of Rollins Drive at the intersection of Fort Hunt Road due to safety concerns. VDOT anticipates additional information regarding the details of this project to be available closer to the meeting date, and will distribute the information accordingly. In the event of inclement weather, the alternate date will be February 2, and all other details about the meeting will remain the same. 

Fairfax County Park Authority Spring and Summer Camps

Registration is now open for Fairfax County Park Authority Spring and Summer Camps. Registrations may fill up very quickly, so families are encouraged to visit the Park Authority Camps webpage to view more than 1,000 programming options to prepare for the 2023 camp registration period. Read the 2023 Camp Guide.

County Conversation Podcast: Interview with Fairfax County Police Department LGBTQ+ Liaison

Master Police Officer Brian Lawton has several goals as the Police Department’s LGBTQ liaison. “Right now, the position is focused on education and awareness,” said Officer Lawton. “Building the program and getting awareness out there to the department and the community that the Fairfax County Police Department has such an entity, has an awareness of the need for the LGBTQ+ liaison role and trying to encourage inner department and outside of department personnel to reach out to me.” Listen to the podcast.

New Year, New You, New Career Opportunities at George Mason University

Kick off the new year with a new career opportunity at George Mason University. Apply to join Mason’s vibrant academic and professional community. Mason offers a robust benefits package, a commitment to flexible work/life options and personal and professional development opportunities. Many possibilities for building a great career await you at Mason. Explore career opportunities.

You're Invited!

Mount Vernon District Office | 703-780-7518

[email protected] | FairfaxCounty.gov/MountVernon

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