It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the passing of Earl Flanagan. As a longtime resident, Earl was a respected community leader, volunteer, architect, Mount Vernon District Planning Commissioner for 12 years, Patriot and WW2 veteran. He was known for his sharp mind and effective land use planning, serving on the Planning Commission into his 90’s. As Planning Commissioner, and through his service to our community, Earl truly helped shape our District and he will be missed by all.

Summer is here and your Mount Vernon District office is busy as ever. Join us on Thursday, June 8 at 7 p.m. for the next Penn Daw Fire Station, Emergency and Affordable Housing Facility Community Meeting, in-person at the Bryant High School cafeteria. County staff will present concept designs and seek feedback from the community on the design options for the co-located facility. Next, please join us on Wednesday, June 14 at 10 a.m. for the Residences at North Hill Grand Opening community celebration. Read more about my housing for all advocacy and “Leave No One Behind” in this week’s Mount Vernon Gazette.

Spend the day with us on Saturday, June 17 as I host our community shred event at Whitman Middle School from 8 – 11 a.m., in partnership with Crime Solvers. After you shred your important documents, pop across the street to the Mount Vernon Governmental Center to cast your vote in the Democratic Party Primary from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Then, head over to Gum Springs Community Day to celebrate Juneteenth, featuring a parade, West Ford Historic Marker unveiling, health fair, music, food, community activities and more, from 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

We also welcome our summer intern, Paige Humphreys. Paige is a West Potomac High School graduate and a junior at Virginia Tech, double majoring in public relations and in political science. Paige is active in many clubs and organizations at Virginia Tech, including Public Relations Student Society of America and Kappa Kappa Gamma women's fraternity. She is driven, eager to learn and passionate about how she can have an impact on her community.

Speaking of celebrations, June is the time to honor our dads and grads. Over the next several weeks, our many, many high school graduates will toss their caps in the air and head off for bigger and better things! I am always proud to attend all of our Mount Vernon District high school graduations to see their hope and joy as they celebrate this moment and look to their bright futures. As a dad, relatively new granddad and son of an amazing dad, I know how important fathers and father figures are in all our lives and join with you in celebrating them this Father’s Day.

Former Mount Vernon District Planning Commissioner, Earl Flanagan

In this Newsletter:

MV Mem. Hwy Trail Ribbon Cutting

FCPS Capital Completion Projects

North Hill Grand Opening

MV Shredding Event

Upcoming Events

Land Use

Health, Housing & Human Services

Transportation

Public Safety

Parks & Environment

In the News

Community Information

Summer Camps 2023

Pet Adoption Corner

Important Safety Information

Team MVD

Boards, Authorities, Commissions

Meet our summer intern, Paige Humphreys!

On a final note (musical that is), our FREE Mount Vernon Nights Concert series kicks off this weekend at 7:30 p.m. at Grist Mill and the Workhouse Arts Center, Friday and Saturday nights, respectively.

Respectfully yours in public service,

Celebrating Our Community

Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail Ribbon Cutting

It was a beautiful day, May 12, celebrating the completion of the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Trail. My commitment to you was to finish this trail, completing the NOVA Loop trail and connecting the East Coast Greenway. This $6.5M project is a County investment and continues the Board's commitment to over $100M over the next six years in infrastructure improvements. Watch the Channel 16 video.

Fairfax County Public Schools Capital Improvement Program Completion Projects

The Capital Improvement Program provides renovations, modular classrooms, additions of existing school facilities and construction of new schools. This significant expenditure reflects the age of FCPS facilities and the School Board's commitment to ensuring that all schools contain the facilities necessary to support current educational programs.

West Potomac High School

Project details

• Added over 71,000 square feet, with new science classrooms and a cafeteria
• Provides students the space they need to learn and grow with the increase in enrollment
• Funded by 2017 and 2019 bonds
• Project webpage

Washington Mill Elementary School

Project details

• Added approximately 35,000 square feet
• Provided modern amenities, removed a modular classroom
• Funded by 2017 and 2019 bonds
• Project webpage

You're Invited!

RSVP!

Key Contacts

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events

• Things to do this June in Fairfax County
• Sherwood Regional Library June Events
• June Channel 16 Program Guide
• Farmers Markets
• Early Voting for Democratic Party Primary Election
• June 2: Mount Vernon Nights Grist Mill Opening Night - 7:30 p.m.
• June 3: Chesapeake Bay Awareness Week Begins
• June 3: The Shoppes of Lorton Valley Block Party - 12 p.m.
• June 3: Mount Vernon Nights Workhouse Arts Center Opening Night - 7:30 p.m.
• June 7: Deck Details Boot Camp - 11 a.m.
• June 8: Penn Daw Community Meeting - 7 p.m.
• June 10: 248th United States Army Birthday - 9 a.m.
• June 10: Public Safety Day - 10 a.m.
• June 13: South County Federation Monthly Meeting - 7 p.m.
• June 14: Residences of North Hill Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting - 10 a.m.
• June 17: Supervisor Dan Storck & Crime Solvers Shredding Event - 8 a.m.
• June 17: Gum Springs Community Day & Parade - 10:30 a.m.
• June 20: Democratic Party Primary Election - 6 a.m.
• June 20: Mapping your Ancestor's Neighborhood - 1 p.m.
• June 28: MVCCA General Council Meeting - 7 p.m.

Penn Daw Fire Station, Emergency and Affordable Housing Community Meeting

Thursday, June 8, 7-9 p.m.

Bryant High School Cafeteria, 2709 Popkins Ln.

Fairfax County staff will host a community meeting for the Penn Daw Fire Station, Emergency and Affordable Housing project. Progress continues with this project which combines County Board, One Fairfax and Housing First priorities through the co-location of the Penn Daw Fire Station and the continuum of housing options with nearby public transportation. The design team has been working with the County using agencies and the Advisory Committee to develop the various programmatic elements and conceptual design options for the project site, which they will present to the community. Please join us to learn more about the project and provide your feedback. Learn more.

Health, Housing & Human Services

SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan

The SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan has been adopted by the Board of Supervisors. Over the next five years, Fairfax County leaders, the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging members and community-based organizations will work together to implement initiatives that continue to position Fairfax County to be a place where older adults can thrive and live safely, independently and with dignity. Learn more.

Transportation

VRE Fare-Free Fridays - Summer 2023

To promote the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) as a travel option for both commuters and day-trippers, the rail service will offer fare-free rides on its trains each Friday from June 2 to September 1. Fare-free travel will be available to passengers on both the Fredericksburg and Manassas lines for rides originating at any of VRE’s 19 stations. Tickets will not be required. VRE ridership is historically lower during the summer and on Fridays year-round, so the rail service can accommodate additional passengers, including larger groups looking to spend a day in the nation’s capital, National Landing or Old Town Alexandria. VRE runs 32 trains each weekday, generally north in the morning and south in the afternoon and evening. Learn more.

Chief's Spotlight

Public Safety Day

Saturday, June 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

4890 Alliance Dr., Fairfax

Register.

Join the Fairfax County Department of Public Safety Communications (9-1-1) and public safety partners for the first Public Safety Day. There will be displays from Fairfax County 9-1-1, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Fairfax County Police Department and more. Bring your family and friends to this free event to enjoy an array of games, food, demonstrations and tours that showcase the important work these departments do to keep our community safe.

FCPD Announces Successful ’50 Means 50’ Fairfax County Parkway Campaign Results

Between May 8 and May 12, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) launched the “50 Means 50” campaign to deter dangerous driving behavior on the Fairfax County Parkway. FCPD initiated the campaign after an officer was nearly killed during a traffic stop on May 1. Officers from all Fairfax County District Stations participated in this effort. They enforced an array of traffic violations with a focus on speeding, reckless speeding, hands-free violations and licensing violations. Through this campaign, officers issued 890 traffic summonses, and 163 warning tickets totaling 1,053 observed violations. Learn more.

Body Camera and Surveillance Footage Released from May 11 Assault and Abduction of Officer that Led to Officer-Involved Shooting

The surveillance and body camera footage was released from the May 11 assault, abduction and attempted disarming of an officer that led to two officers deploying deadly force in the 6300 block of Richmond Hwy. Read more from FCPD News.

Four Charged Related to Death of Alexandria Woman 

Four people have been charged related to the death of Brenda Ochoa Guerrero who was found deceased in her car in the parking lot of Mount Vernon Hospital at 8033 Holland Rd. in April. Detectives identified the four individuals responsible for leaving Brenda in the parking lot. All four have been charged with felony concealment of a dead body. Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to Brenda’s death. Read more from FCPD News.

Nominations Now Being Accepted for Park Service Awards 

With an award-winning system of 420 parks, the Fairfax County Park Authority relies on the help of thousands of volunteers to support its programs and initiatives. The Park Authority is seeking nominations to recognize the outstanding contributions of volunteers with its annual Park Service Awards Program. Online nominations are being accepted for the following awards:

• Elly Doyle Park Service Award & Youth/Student Award
• The Harold L. Strickland Partnership and Collaboration Award
• The Mayo Stuntz Cultural Stewardship Award
• The Sally Ormsby Environmental Stewardship Award
• The Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award

All nominations are due by Friday, June 23. Learn more.

All Farmers Markets Now Collecting Food Scraps for Compost

Each of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s 10 Farmers Markets now include food scrap disposal sites where customers can dispose of food waste to be composted. This expansion is the result of a highly successful pilot program that experienced strong customer support in 2022. Learn more.

Mount Vernon District Farmers Markets:

• McCutcheon/Mount Vernon Farmers Market: Wednesdays, 8 a.m.-noon
• Lorton Farmers Market: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Front Yard Landscaping, Reimagined

People are starting to tweak yard conventions by putting native plants front and center on their properties. There are around two hundred species of native plants that are eminently suitable for the formal or semiformal areas of our homes or businesses. There is no need to confine those plants to our back yards. They add curb appeal to any property while simultaneously supporting the songbirds, butterflies and other critters that so desperately need our help to survive in a suburban or urban environment. Considering how much of our suburban/urban land is covered with built structures, any piece of land that isn’t occupied by a building or road would best be devoted to native trees and other native plants. Instead of adding to habitat loss, our front yards can be part of the solution while beautifying our properties and increasing home values. For details on designing a landscape using native plants, see the Plant NOVA Natives website.

Our Men and Women in Blue - Trust, Respect and Fairness

Whether it is rescuing a bald eagle or preserving a life during a 34-hour standoff, our Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) officers are some of the finest and best trained in the country. Yes, we have challenges – staffing shortages, ongoing training needs, long shifts and overtime. However, our officers rise to the occasion day in and day out to protect and serve our community. I’m proud to support our Fairfax County Police Department each and every day and know you all do as well. Read more from my article in the Mount Vernon Gazette.

Fairfax County Police to Hold Program to Teach Young Adults about Law Enforcement Career 

As police officer shortages have been felt by many departments across the DMV, the Fairfax County Police Department will be holding a program with hopes of teaching young adults about a career in law enforcement and to help with recruiting. From June 26-30, the department will have its annual Police Leaders of Tomorrow program, which will teach people between 18-24 years old about policing. Read more and watch the interview from News 7.

Slow Down, Save Lives

Last week, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) changed the speed limit from 45 mph to 35 mph on a seven-mile stretch of Richmond Highway (Route 1), between Jeff Todd Way and the Capitol Beltway. On Tuesday, May 23, new signage was installed and the change went into effect. Read more from Delegate Paul Krizek's article in the Mount Vernon Gazette.

Fort Belvoir Community Hospital Renamed to Honor Army Doctor

The Defense Health Agency conducted a renaming ceremony at Fort Belvoir Community Hospital on May 16, officially changing the name to the Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center. The new name honors U.S. Army Lt. Col. (Dr.) Alexander Thomas Augusta, the highest-ranking black officer in the Union Army, the first black professor of medicine at Howard University in Washington D.C. and the first black officer to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Read more from Health.mil.

Democratic Party Primary Voting Open

Early in-person voting for the June 20 Democratic Party Primary is at our Mount Vernon Governmental Center (2511 Parkers Lane) on weekdays from 1 – 7 p.m. From June 10-17, additional sites will open, including the Lorton Community Center, and will offer early voting on weekdays from 1 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. All polling locations, but not all early voting locations (including the Mount Vernon Governmmental Center), will be open on June 20. More information. See you at the polls! 

Primary candidates for these offices and districts will be on the ballot:

• Board of Supervisors: Chairman, Dranesville District, Mason District, Mount Vernon District and Springfield District
• Commonwealth’s Attorney
• Sheriff
• Virginia House of Delegates: 7th, 15th and 19th districts
• Virginia Senate: 33rd, 35th, 36th and 37th districts

Summer Entertainment Series - Mount Vernon Nights

The Summer Entertainment Series is back! Enjoy great free performances under the stars at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Hwy. on Friday nights and at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9518 Workhouse Way on Saturday nights. You can relax and catch up with friends and neighbors while listening to a variety of musical performances reflecting Fairfax County's diversity, culture and community spirit. Bring a picnic dinner, chairs or a blanket and come enjoy one of Fairfax County's special summer traditions! Learn more.

Gum Spring Community Day

Saturday, June 17, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

MLK Jr. Park, 8115 Fordson Rd.

Join Gum Springs for a Community Day, celebrating 190 years of it's founding. The day will begin with the West Ford marker unveiling at the corner of Richmond Hwy. and Fordson Rd. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and will be followed by activities, food, information tables, health fair, carnival games and more at MLK Jr. Park. Join in on the fun and learn more.

248th United States Army Birthday Celebrations

Saturday, June 10, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Free Registration Required.

Explore U.S. Army history inside the National Army Museum and enjoy special outdoor activities on the new Warriors’ Field with performances by The U.S. Army Band “Pershing’s Own,” Army vehicle and equipment displays, inflatable bounce house, gaming activities and much more. End the day with a special Twilight Tattoo performance! Admission to the Museum and the Festival are FREE and includes activities for visitors of all ages. Food and beverages will be for sale from outdoor food trucks and the indoor Museum Café. Army Birthday cupcakes and a 2023 Festival souvenir will be available to visitors in limited quantities. Learn more.

You Don’t Have to Go Far for Summer Fun at Fairfax Parks

Get ready to have fun in the sun with Fairfax County Park Authority this summer! Opening day was May 27 for a wide variety of entertaining activities for families, friends and entire communities to enjoy at local parks. From award-winning water features and waterfront parks to mini golf and amusements, there is something for everyone. Learn more.

The Shoppes of Lorton Valley Block Party

Saturday, June 3, 12-2 p.m.

8921 Ox Rd.

Join The Shoppes of Lorton Valley for a summer street fair, featuring our neighboring local restaurants and businesses. Tables will be located outside of businesses and within the center block, offering free food samplings, goods for sale and special offers. There will also be activities for the whole family, including a DJ, BINGO game with prizes for customers, DYI crafts for children and merchant displays/samples.

Nominations Open for 2023 Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Awards

The Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards program honors youth, coaches and parents for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor, on and off the field of competition. Nominations for this year's awards are due by August 1. Nominate an athlete, coach or parent here.

James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards Program

Fairfax County is now accepting submissions for the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards. Established in 1984, the awards program aims to celebrate and raise awareness of both public and private projects with outstanding planning and design features that enhance the experience of site users and visitors. Projects completed in Fairfax County within the last five years, since January 1, 2018, are eligible for submission. Submissions must be received by email or mail by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 23. Information about submission categories, requirements and the entry form are available on the awards webpage.

Mapping Your Ancestor’s Neighborhood 

Tuesday, June 20, 1-3 p.m.

Virtual: Zoom

Have you ever wondered where your ancestors lived, shopped, worked or attended church? Genealogy educator and lecturer Chuck Mason will discuss how a great deal of this information can be gleaned by matching genealogical records with maps printed during your ancestor’s time. Register for this free Zoom event by emailing a registration request to contact-us@mvgenealogy.org. Learn more.

Deer Fawning Season - For Their Welfare, Leave Them Alone

Spring is here and calls to Animal Protection Police and Wildlife Management Specialists about white-tailed deer fawns have begun. With the onset of fawning season, also comes new restrictions related to disease management and deer herd health that will affect fawn rehabilitation within Fairfax County. On May 1, the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources prohibited the rehabilitation of deer fawns in the County due to Chronic Wasting Disease. Additionally, deer fawns originating from Fairfax County may not be rehabilitated in any other locality. Learn more.

Summer Camps 2023

Are you still looking for a summer activity for your child? The County has over 1,000 camp options for students of all ages and interests. Learn about a few:

• Park Authority Summer Day Camp Guide - The Park Authority offers summer day camp options for children ages 3 to 16. The camps are held at more than 50 locations in the County, including Rec Centers, nature centers, historic sites, lakefront parks, golf courses and schools. Camp Guide.
• Camp Fairfax - Camp Fairfax provides opportunities for rising 1 - 7 grade children to participate in a variety of fun experiences that appeal to the artist, performer and athlete in every child. Learn more.
• Teens In Action (TIA) - Provides exciting opportunities for self-discovery and skill building, with an emphasis on team building and leadership. TIA 9 -12 graders (June 20- August 18) and 7 graders – 8 graders can attend (June 20- June 27, July 28- August 18) Registration form.
• Therapeutic Recreation Camp - Therapeutic Recreation offers affordable summer camp experiences for individuals (ages 5-22) with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, physical disabilities, emotional disabilities, learning disabilities and/or attention deficit disorders. Learn more.
• George Mason Youth Summer Camps - Mason hosts a variety of camps and youth programs with a wide array of topics and themes such as academic, visual/performing arts and recreation/sports camps. Learn more.

Pet Adoption Corner

Meet Marco

Just look at Marco’s striking markings! This well-behaved, gentle and friendly 11-year-old kitty. A grey and white Domestic Shorthair mix and loves to be brushed and pet. Marco is looking for a quiet, loving home where he can be near you, but not on top of you. According to Marco’s former owner, “he can be a bit of a loner, but is affectionate and a good roommate.”

If you'd like to meet Marco, 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.

Code Compliance - Help us help you

If you report a potential code violation to the Department of Code Compliance (DCC), you have the option to provide contact information or remain anonymous. This decision is up to you, but DCC encourages giving contact information because it can help the DCC team provide the best quality service, including to:

1. Provide you with investigation status updates
2. Contact you to confirm information about potential violations - such as the exact location or when the issue typically occurs, especially if staff is not observing the same conditions described in the complaint
3. Discuss your personal experience so we can better understand the situation
4. Ask your permission to observe the potential violation from your property, like when it's difficult to observe from a public street or right-of-way
5. Get your help identifying neighbors or others we should contact, such as a property manager or a homeowners’ association.

Understandably, you may wonder whether your information will be kept confidential. The short answer is that it does depend on the type of case, but regardless, we protect personal information and only disclose it if required by law to do so. You can learn more about this on our Frequently Asked Questions webpage, under DCC PROCESSES.

DCC accepts complaints and concerns about potential violations on the DCC website, or by telephone during regular business hours, at 703-324-1300.

Internet Safety: Protecting Children in the Digital Age 

The internet is an essential part of our daily lives, but without proper oversight it can pose significant risks for children and adolescents. The Parenting Education Programs encourages parents and caregivers to take proactive steps to keep children from dangers such as online predators, cyberbullying and inappropriate content. Learn more about what families can do to help children build healthy online habits.

Mount Vernon District Staff (top row left to right): Christine Morin, Cassidy Donaghy, Camela Speer, Maddie Carcamo Reyes (bottom row left to right) Peyton Smith, Volunteer Shirley Short, Nick Rinehart and Supervisor Dan Storck.

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!

May 2023 Activities:

• Phone calls: 803
• Meetings: 226

Stay Connected: 

Mount Vernon Governmental Center

2511 Parkers Lane 

Mount Vernon, VA 22306

703-780-7518 (TTY 711) 703-780-1491 (fax)

mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov 

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

Lorton Library: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

MV District Office: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Walk-ins and by appointment

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.

Criminal Justice Advisory Board

To receive and coordinate all phases of planning for the Criminal Justice System in the County of Fairfax and to furnish its advice and recommendations to the County Executive and, as appropriate, to the Board of Supervisors. Reestablished to continue in an advisory capacity though no longer required by Federal Law.

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.

There are several At-Large positions available as of June 2023 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 mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov. 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.

Mount Vernon District Office | 703-780-7518

MTVernon@fairfaxcounty.gov | FairfaxCounty.gov/MountVernon

STAY CONNECTED