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Dear Neighbors,
Well folks, February has rolled around again (kind of like one of my favorite movies – Groundhog Day, which is also today, February 2!), giving us a chance to reflect on ourselves, learn from our past, continue working to be better each day and see the fruits of our labor come back to us, making life a little more kind and joyful. Like one of my other favorite movies – It’s a Wonderful Life – I believe each of us can make a difference, small to large, in each other’s lives and our community during our journey to becoming our best selves. Speaking of best selves and favorite things, this month on Presidents’ Day when we remember two of my favorite Presidents – George Washington and Abe Lincoln – and their contributions to our democracy and freedoms.
February is also a time for celebrating the many contributions of African American individuals, families and communities. This is especially true for our own Quander family, the oldest documented African American family in the country, and Gum Springs the oldest African American community in the County. This year, we also celebrated the designation of the Randall Estates Historic District. Where, in the early 60’s, Jube Shiver built the first homes for Black families who wanted a suburban home and lifestyle but were otherwise barred by discriminatory laws and practices. With many similar examples of perseverance and neighbors helping neighbors, Black History is woven throughout the fabric of our District. Join us for one of the many Black History Month celebrations throughout the County!
February also brings my Annual Town Meeting. Come see why the Mount Vernon District is “The One” place to live, learn, work and play, on Saturday, February 10. Starting at 7:45 a.m. with our wildly popular Exhibit Hall featuring over 60 booths of County and community resources, the KidBiz Young Entrepreneurs, the MVHS String Quartet, flu vaccines and more! Our formal program begins at 9:30 a.m. with special recognitions, local leaders answering your questions and a virtual “flying” tour of all that is happening from Lorton to Huntington. For more fun, hang out and grab a bite with your friends and neighbors at the Taste of Mount Vernon from 12:15 – 1:30 p.m. The formal program will stream live on Facebook, YouTube and Channel 16. Ask questions during the Q & A sessions, or in advance, by emailing us or messaging us on Facebook. For more information and updates, visit our website.
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In this Newsletter:
Celebrating Our Community
Upcoming Events
Land Use
Health, Housing & Human Services
Public Safety
Parks & Environment
In the News
Community Information
Community Links
Pet Adoption Corner
Team MVD
Boards, Authorities & Commissions
| Randall Estates Historic Entrance Wall Dedication | Annual Year-in-Review Advisor Mailer | |
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Hopefully, by now you have received our annual year-in-review Advisor mailer in your home mailbox detailing key accomplishments of the past year and our focus for 2024. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions to make it better! Contact us.
See you all Super Bowl Saturday, February 10, at the 37th Annual Mount Vernon District Town Meeting!
Respectfully yours in public service,
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Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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Celebrating Our Community | |
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New Businesses in Lorton
I am pleased to welcome two new businesses to Liberty Market - Ledo Pizza and Taco Rock. Thank you to the South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and Board Chair Casey Whitmarsh for coordinating the Ledo Pizza celebration. Since the opening of Lidl this summer, Liberty Market has opened new businesses such as Brynmore Early Education & Preschool, Petite Smiles Dental and Always Polishe'd. I look forward to the continued growth of Liberty Market and be sure to support these new businesses
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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events
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Original Mount Vernon High School Rebranding and Renaming Survey
Your opinion matters! Help us come up with a new name and brand for Original Mount Vernon High School (OMVHS).
In 2016, Fairfax County began planning efforts for the renovation and reuse of the existing OMVHS to bring a new resource center to the neighborhood focused on human development, enrichment and fostering community connections across generations and backgrounds. We would like to hear from you to ensure the new name and brand reflect the vibrancy of the community. Please fill out the survey using the link below to give us your opinion. Your responses will help us understand the priorities, values and preferences of your community, and help us develop a new brand identity and name that are appealing to the entire community.
This survey should take 2 minutes to complete and is anonymous. Survey responses will be received through February 11. Take the survey here:
For more information on this project.
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Land Development Services Staff Available for In-Person Customer Service at the Herrity Building
Land Development Services (LDS) offers many customer service opportunities, both in-person and virtually. LDS staff are ready to answer any pertinent land development-related questions or concerns. If you prefer face-to-face interactions with staff, in-person customer service is available every day at the Herrity Building, Suite 111 (12055 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax).
Customer Information Center
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Hours: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Monday-Thursday); 9:15 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Friday)
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Health, Housing & Human Services | |
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Learn More About the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
Adults and Youth
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board (CSB) is the public agency that plans, organizes and provides services for:
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Adults in our community who have mental illness, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities;
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Youth in our community who have mental illness, substance use disorders and/or developmental disabilities;
CSB staff and contracted service providers include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, counselors, therapists, case managers, peer specialists and "behind the scenes" administrative and support staff. Emergency and Crisis Services are available for people who have a mental illness, substance use disorder and/or developmental disability, are in acute distress and need immediate help. For any mental health or substance use emergency call in advance when visiting any location. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, help is just a phone call away. Call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679, TTY 711. Services provided 24/7.
Seniors
CSB provides specialized services tailored to meet the unique needs of aging adults. The Regional Older Adult Facilities Mental Health Support Team (RAFT) provides assisted living or nursing home level care for older adults (age 65 or older) who are either being discharged from a state psychiatric hospital or who are at risk of needing psychiatric hospitalization. To learn more about behavioral health services for older adults in our community, call CSB Entry & Referral at 703-383-8500, TTY 711. For information about other services for older adults, call the Aging, Disability and Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948 (TTY 711) or fill out their online service request form.
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ALERT: Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) Seeks Help from the Community to Identity an Armed Trio Responsible for Carjacking
Fairfax County Police Department is seeking help and information to identify an armed trio responsible for a carjacking at the 5900 block of Mount Eagle Drive in Huntington last Thursday. Anyone who may have information about this carjacking is asked to call 703-246-7800, option 5. Learn more.
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The Future is Bright: FCPD Welcomes the First Academy Class of 2024
Last week, 33 new recruits were welcomed to the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, marking the start of their 25-week basic training and the initiation of their careers in law enforcement. FCPD has implemented a comprehensive revamp of recruitment and retention initiatives. This involved streamlining the recruiting process without changing hiring standards. Learn more.
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The Magic of Winter Trees: Making a Deeper Connection
Winter is a lovely time to get to know your trees better. Many folks spend the colder days of January and February planning their spring gardens, winter sowing or putting in nursery orders for spring delivery of native plants. Dreams of warmer days are lovely, but if you have trees in your yard or a nearby park, winter might also be the time to learn how to appreciate and protect their incredible beauty. When our trees are bare of leaves, you can visualize more clearly their beautiful shapes, identify some species characteristics and assess their health status. There are several local organizations that provide winter educational hikes or webinars to examine and learn about our forests, including Nature Forward, Capital Nature, Audubon Society of Northern Virginia and others.
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A Trail to Equity in Fairfax County Parks
In 2022, the Fairfax County Park Authority began a comprehensive review of its fee-based revenue model with the objective of identifying a new path forward toward increasing the equity of access to County park and recreation programming. After an 18-month effort with a consultant, an initial report of the findings and proposed recommendations has been prepared and is being shared with the Park Authority Board, Board of Supervisors and the public for initial comments and feedback. Learn more.
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Discover Why Climate Matters
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) has launched its Climate Matters blog – a space to share stories, insights and information related to climate change and environmental sustainability. Posts are written by knowledgeable and passionate OEEC staff members and guest authors.
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Mount Vernon District Town Meeting February 10
Come learn more about why the Mount Vernon District is “The One” at our 37th Annual Town Meeting! This year's event on Super Bowl Saturday will be filled with important District information, delicious food and engaging activities for the whole family, proving that the excitement of the weekend extends beyond just football. Established by my predecessor, Gerry Hyland in 1988, the Town Meeting has become a cherished community tradition that I am fortunate to host year after year. Read more from the Mount Vernon Gazette.
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Commonwealth IS Failing Students
As leaders of the largest school district and locality in the Commonwealth of Virginia, we are frustrated and disappointed by the hard truth exposed in a recent study: the Commonwealth is failing students in every part of Virginia by chronically underfunding local K-12 public schools. We trail the 50-state average, the regional average and three border states – West Virginia, Maryland and Kentucky – in per-pupil funding. Read more from The Connection.
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County Conversation Podcast-Exploring Affordable Housing and Finance with Anna Shapiro
Affordable housing impacts communities across the country, including Fairfax County. In a recent episode of The County Conversation podcast, Anna Shapiro, deputy director for real estate finance and development of our Redevelopment and Housing Authority, provided insights into the critical work her team is doing to address affordable housing needs in the County to reach the Board of Supervisors’ goal of 10,000 affordable housing units by 2034. Read more and listen in on Fairfax County NewsCenter.
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Pedestrian Safety Improvements Coming to Several Route 1 Area Schools
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is in the early stages of planning pedestrian safety improvements near a couple of schools, following the funding of related Active Transportation projects by the Board of Supervisors (BOS). The first project, which received just over $5 million in fiscal 2022 carryover funding from the BOS last April, involves the construction of around 1,500 feet of sidewalk between Hybla Valley Elementary School and the Huntley Meadows Park entrance on Lockheed Boulevard. Read more from On The MoVe.
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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
Dating violence is a pattern of harmful behaviors that can be used to exert power and control over a dating partner. This can happen in different ways, including physical violence, emotional and verbal violence, sexual violence, financial control and digital violence. Many teens experience some form of intimate partner violence even before graduating from high school. The purpose of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is to raise public awareness about the impact of dating violence on youth, educate young people about healthy relationships and encourage the community to get involved to disrupt cycles of violence among teens. Learn more.
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Sexual Violence Tier One Training
Session 1: Saturday, February 24, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Fairfax County Health Department, 10777 Main Street (Kelly Square), Rowland Training Rooms A&B, Fairfax
Sessions 2-5: Wednesdays & Thursdays, February 28-March 7, 6-8 p.m. (Virtual)
Sexual Violence Tier One is a 16-hour training on understanding sexual violence across the lifespan, systems responding to sexual violence in Fairfax County and resources available in our community. Participants will learn how and why sexual violence happens; the short- and long-term impacts of sexual violence on individuals, families and communities and how to support people impacted by sexual violence. This training is free, but registration is required. Participants must attend all sessions. Questions? See FAQs here or contact Abby Picard.
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Free Tax Preparation Help Available Until April 15
Tax season is officially underway — and so is free tax preparation assistance by the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program. Fairfax County is partnering with the nonprofit to provide eight County facilities where residents can get no-cost help filling out their federal and state taxes through April 15. Learn more.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA): Get Your Taxes Done for Free!
If you or your family earned less than $64,000 in 2023, you may qualify for this free service! IRS-certified volunteers will help you receive the maximum tax refund and help determine if you are eligible for the earned income tax credit. For more information and tax preparation site details visit VITA - Free Income Tax Preparation.
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Statement from President Biden on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Proposed Rule to Curb Overdraft Fees
The Biden administration is requesting public comment now through April 1 on proposed rules to limit excessive overdraft fees. The regulations also require institutions to provide more transparency about overdraft rates to help encourage competition. You may submit public comment to [email protected] and include Docket No. CFPB-2024-0002 or RIN 3170-AA42 in the subject line of the message. Learn more.
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Donation Drive for New Hygiene Products
Join the Department of Family Services Volunteer and Partner Services Program to help collect new, unopened, full-sized hygiene products to support families in our community. Inclusive donations for all ages, genders and ethnicities are encouraged. Razors, files, nail clippers and other sharp objects will not be accepted. Donations can be dropped off from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at the Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway, 6th Floor Donation Box (outside the elevators). Donations accepted through Thursday, February 29. Learn More. Contact Samantha Carrico with questions.
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Early In-Person Voting for the Presidential Primary Election
Early voting is happening now here at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane) for the March 5 presidential primary election. This is a primary for both the Republican and Democratic candidates for president. In Virginia, voters do not register by political party, and you may only cast a ballot in one of the presidential primary elections. Hours of operation vary based on location, find the hours for the Mount Vernon Governmental Center here:
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Weekdays: 1 - 7 p.m.
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Saturdays (February 24 & March 2): 9 a.m. - 5 p.m
- Early Voting is closed on Monday, February 19 for the Presidents Day holiday.
Learn more and other early voting locations.
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Below are community links to local groups, organizations, school news and more. Click the links to learn more and sign up for their newsletters.
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Meet Haze
Do you own a barn, stable or just have a lot of land? Looking for someone to help you keep it looking tidy and pest free? Then Haze is the cat for you! Haze is one of the working cats available for adoption! Working cats have more of a rough and tumble personality and prefer to be outdoors doing their job than indoors getting pets. They prefer the company of other animals to humans and like to approach people at their own pace. Haze is no stranger to other kitties and had a home with around 20 other feline siblings. It is recommended that Haze has a slow introduction to any cats at home to make sure they get along. Although working cats do not enjoy being cuddled by their humans, they love to help them out by helping catch any pests. Haze is looking for a home/owner who can utilize her special skills.
Haze is currently available at the Lorton Campus, if you would like to meet her or any of the adoptable pets at the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, visit during open hours! For more info on the adoption process, including requirements and fees, click here.
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Mount Vernon District Staff (top row left to right): Peyton Smith, Christine Morin, Supervisor Dan Storck, Nick Rinehart (bottom row left to right) Cassidy Donaghy, Maddie Alvarado, Camela Speer, Volunteer Shirley Short. | |
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Whether you need a free notary, a "Slow Down" yard sign, Mosquito Dunks or you would like to reserve meeting space in the Mount Vernon Governmental Center -- my office offers all this at no cost to you. Have road maintenance requests, zoning questions or environmental concerns? Stop by the Mount Vernon District Office anytime during our office hours, call or email us. We are here to help!
Stop by and visit the information tables outside my office for everything happening in the District. From flyers for upcoming events, bike route maps, newspapers and much more, this center is free and available 24/7!
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January 2024 Activities:
- Phone calls: 898
- Meetings: 197
Stay Connected:
Mount Vernon Governmental Center
2511 Parkers Lane
Mount Vernon, VA 22306
703-780-7518 (TTY 711) 703-780-1491 (fax)
[email protected]
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Office Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday:
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Second Saturday Each Month (Except August)
Lorton Library: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
MV District Office: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Walk-ins and by appointment
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Update from Mount Vernon School Board Member Mateo Dunne
Please read my partner on the corridor School Board Member Mateo Dunne's latest newsletter for an update on Fairfax County Public Schools. Read the FCPS This Week Newsletter.
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Career and Technical Education (CTE) Summer Academy
CTE Summer Academy (CSA) is a weekly enrichment program that allows students to:
- Dive deeper into CTE program areas
- Develop new or existing skills
- Begin career exploration
Students are able to personalize their experience by choosing which CTE classes they will take!The CTE Summer Academy is open to students in grades 6-11 during the 2023-24 school year and space is limited. Learn more.
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Boards, Authorities and Commissions | |
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Help serve your community by serving on a Fairfax County Board, Authority or Commission (BAC). Please ask your friends, neighbors and community members if they are willing to help serve Fairfax County. Open Mount Vernon District positions:
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board
In accordance with Va. Code Sec. 51.5-47 to provide input to state and local agencies on service needs and priorities of persons with physical and sensory disabilities, to provide information and resource referral to local governments regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to provide such other assistance and advice to local governments as may be requested.
Commission for Women
To promote the full equality of women and girls in Fairfax County.
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
To ensure and oversee the establishment and operation of local mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse programs.
Athletic Council
To serve in an advisory capacity to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Council will assist the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, the Park Authority, School Board, the Planning Commission, commissions, and authorities of Fairfax County on the allocation, use, and management and future planning of County athletic resources.
Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (At-Large Members Needed)
Pursuant to County Code Section 61-2-1, to act on applications for appeals from Building Official, Fire Official or Property maintenance Code Official decisions based on the VUSBC, the VSFPC, the Virginia Amusement Device Regulations (VADR) and Chapters 61, 64, 65, and 66 of the County Code as specified.
Civil Service Commission
To represent public interest in improvement of personnel administration; to advise the Board of Supervisors, County Executive and Personnel Director in formulation of Policies. County Code Sections 3-1-7 through 3-1-10.
Small Business Commission
The purpose of the Fairfax County Small Business Commission is to: (a) study, report and make recommendations on issues of concern to small businesses in Fairfax County; (b) advise and assist the Board of Supervisors, County Executive and County employees on any matter that will enhance the capability of small businesses to succeed in Fairfax County; and (c) promote and assist small businesses generally, but especially with respect to minority-owned and emerging businesses, to establish themselves, develop and succeed in their pursuits of commercial opportunities and in their vendor relations with Fairfax County. Such matters are the formulation of policies or procedures which may affect the management, operation or financial stability of these businesses to better position them to do work in or for Fairfax County.
There are several At-Large positions available as of January 2024 on County BACs.
- Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (Lending Institution Representative)
- Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Alternate & Design Professional)
- Board of Equalization of Real Estate (Professional)
- Consumer Protection Commission
- Engineering Standard Review Committee
- Health Systems Agency Board
- History Commission
- Police Civilian Review Panel
- Tenant-Landlord Commission (Citizen, Condo Owner, Landlord, Tenant
- Trespass Towing Advisory Board
- Uniformed Retirement System Board of Trustees
Learn more about any of these BACs.
Volunteering on these committees increases citizen participation in our District. If you are interested in serving on a County board, authority, commission or committee (BAC), please provide a current résumé to [email protected]. For more information, please download the brochure for a brief guide to BACs, or learn more on the County website. You can also check out the County's Volunteer Management System for information on these and other volunteer opportunities near you.
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Para subscribirse para nuestro boletín en español o si conoce a alguien quien quiera subscribirse, o para hablar con un hispanohablante, comuníquese con Madeleine Alvarado a su preferencia, por teléfono al (703) 780-7518 o por correo electrónico: [email protected]. | |
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Adult Protective Services
(703) 324-7450, TTY 703-449-1186
Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line
(703) 324-7948, TTY 711
Child Protective Services (24/7)
(703) 324-7400, TTY 703-222-9452
Domestic & Sexual Violence (24/7)
(703) 360-7273, TTY 711
Emergency & Basic Needs
(703) 222-0880, TTY 711
Emergency Mental Health (24/7)
(703) 573-5679, TTY 711
Fairfax County Emergency Information Line
(703) 817-7771, TTY 711
Fairfax Water Emergency Line
(703) 698-5613
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Fire Code-Related Questions
(703) 246-4849, TTY 711
Fraud Hotline
(703) 787-3243
Police Non-Emergency Line
(703) 691-2131
Roads: VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation)
1 (800) FOR-ROAD or 1 (800) 367-7623, TTY 711
Suicide Prevention (24/7)
Call: (703) 527-4077
Text: "CONNECT" to 85511
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board 24/7 Lines
Emergency Services: (703) 573-5679
Fairfax Detoxification Center: (703) 502-7000
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