Dear Neighbors,

Thank you to the 1000’s of residents who joined us for our busiest October ever in the Mount Vernon District! We enjoyed hosting and connecting with each and every one of you, starting with Fall Fest celebrating the 1st Anniversary of the Lorton Community Center, Library and Park, to our biggest and best Tour de Mount Vernon Community Bike Ride on the beautiful George Washington Memorial Parkway, to honoring the Workhouse Arts Center for winning ArtsFairfax’s premier Jinx Hazel Award, and then the grand finale, ribbon cutting on the new Lorton Police Station and Animal Shelter! Whew! You all turned out and the celebrations were epic!

Truly none of this is possible without a great MVD Team! As part of the Lorton Community Center 1st Anniversary celebration, we honored team leader Christine Morin, who for decades has worked long and hard to help build a connected Lorton community from the sleepy, generally undeveloped, more rural area it was to the thriving, vibrant South County community it is today. From the revitalization of the Workhouse Arts Center and the Liberty community, to driving the early building of the South County Middle School and Laurel Hill Elementary School, to shepherding the new Community Center, Police Station and Animal Shelter, and so much more; Christine’s fingerprints are all over Lorton. Christine is truly the Heart of Lorton and Lorton is in her heart.

In this Newsletter:

Fall Fest

8th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon

Lorton Police Station Animal Shelter

ArtsFairfax Awards 2023

Upcoming Events

Land Use

Health, Housing & Human Services

Transportation

Public Safety

Parks & Environment

In the News

Community Information

Community Links

Pet Adoption Corner

Important Safety Information

Team MVD

Boards, Authorities, Commissions

I have worked with Christine for almost 20 years and when first elected Supervisor, I asked her to be my Chief of Staff, where she has become a leader with the County Board and staff. Additionally, I have had her spearhead many revitalization projects on the highway. She guides Team MVD with compassion, heart and everyday enjoyment, keeping us on course and making sure residents get what they need. Thank you, Christine for all you do and all I know you will continue to do for the residents of Lorton and Mount Vernon! You can watch the tribute here.

As we wrap up this busy fall season, it’s very important you take the time to vote in the November 7 general election at your regular voting precinct. Learn more here. Also, mark your calendars for our Annual Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 7 from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at YOUR Mount Vernon District Office.

On a housekeeping note, don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour this weekend, and our office will be closed on Tuesday and Friday next week in observation of Election Day and Veteran’s Day. Thank you to all our veteran and active military service members and their families for their service to us, our communities and our country! 

Respectfully yours in public service,

Celebrating Our Community

Lorton Community Center, Library and Park 1st Anniversary Fall Fest

The Lorton Community Center, Library and Park celebrated their 1 Year Anniversary on October 14 at Fall Fest. In just a year, this Lorton hub has hosted countless events, celebrations and more. I am pleased to watch it continue to be utilized by our community whether it be to play a pickup game of basketball or pickleball, get some fresh air, attend a community meeting or sit and read. This is an important addition to the Lorton community and I look forward to many future events.

8th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon

It was a beautiful fall day on October 21 for the 8th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon as 500 riders took to the closed George Washington Memorial Parkway and explored the many Potomac Banks historic, ecological and cultural sites. I was very pleased to introduce the very first Tour de Mount Vernon Youth and Family Ride done in partnership with Neighborhood and Community Services which invited children to participate in this annual event. Riders ended their routes at George Washington's Mount Vernon and enjoyed some delicious sweet potato chili from La Prima Catering. A great event all around!

Thank you to our ride partner Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) for their hard work to make the ride and event special. And thank you to our partners at the National Park Service for working with us for the past two years to make riding on the Parkway a reality. 

Thank you to George Washington's Mount Vernon, Celebrate Fairfax, Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce, Fort Belvoir, Handy Bikes, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department and our sponsors La Prima Catering, Casey Whitmarsh from State Farm and Capital Trails Coalition. And, especially, Cassidy Donaghy, Camela Speer and Team MVD for their planning and hard work! This ride would not have been possible without such a great team! Watch the 16 Around Fairfax video.

Lorton Police Station and Fairfax County Animal Shelter Lorton Campus Grand Opening

Last weekend we celebrated the Grand Opening of the new Lorton Police Station and Fairfax County Animal Shelter Lorton Campus. This is the second animal shelter for Fairfax County and the first new police station in nearly 20 years! This co-located facility will bring safety and furry friends to residents throughout our community. In the police station, I will have a satellite office that will provide Lorton residents additional opportunities to make appointments and meet with me in-person. We will also have community rooms available for nonprofit groups to use starting in the new year. Make an appointment today to meet with any of the adoptable pets at the Lorton Campus shelter. Watch the 16 Around Fairfax video.

Workhouse Arts Center Awarded the Jinx Hazel Award at the 2023 ArtsFairfax Awards Ceremony

The ArtsFairfax Awards celebrate the extraordinary contributions of local artists, arts organizations and the private sector and is held annually to raise the visibility of arts and culture throughout the County. It was a pleasure to join the Workhouse Arts Center team as they received the premier Jinx Hazel award for their vision and commitment to shape the cultural life of Fairfax County. Learn more.

Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards

Meeting of the Mobile Homeowners Coalition in coordination with Tenants and Workers United

NAACP Souls to the Polls Walk

Westgrove Dog Park nominated for Best Pet Care in the October 2023 Edition of Northern VA Magazine

Celebrated the Grand Opening of Brynmor Early Education and Preschool at Liberty in Lorton

West Potomac High School Athletic Hall of Fame Recognition

Lorton Community Action Center (LCAC) Raise a Glass to Hope

Mount Vernon Station Community Advisory Committee

Newington Road Sidewalk Advocacy Walk

Boo to You! Halloween Fun with Team MVD!

You're Invited!

Key Contacts

Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events

• Things to do this November in Fairfax County
• Channel 16 November Program Guide
• Farmers Markets
• Nov 4: Friends of Sherwood Library Book Sale - 10 a.m.
• Nov 4: Big Book Sale at Kingstowne Library - 10 a.m.
• Nov 4: Poetry in the Parks at Huntley Meadows - 1:30 p.m.
• Nov 4: Health Department Student Immunization Clinic - 9 a.m.
• Nov 5: See Live Raptors at Fort Hunt Park Pavilion A - 1 p.m.
• Nov 7: Election Day/Election Day and County Holiday - 6 a.m.
• Nov 8: Rental Property Owners Free Information Webinar - 12 p.m.
• Nov 9: Mount Vernon Community Advisory Committee Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Nov 10: 37th Annual Caregiver's Conference - 8 a.m.
• Nov 10: Veterans Day Observation/County Holiday
• Nov 11: Veterans Day
• Nov 11: Vegetation Trimming at Old Stone Bridge with the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail - 10 a.m.
• Nov 11: See Live Raptors at Fort Hunt Park - 1 p.m.
• Nov 14: Fairfax Water's Occoquan Dam Siren - 10 a.m.
• Nov 14: Opportunities to Charge@Work: A Green Business Partners and Best Workplaces for Commuters Webinar - 12 p.m.
• Nov 14: South County Federation Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Nov 15: Craft and Chat at Sherwood Regional Library - 2:30 p.m.
• Nov 15: MVCCA General Council Meeting - 7 p.m.
• Dec 2: Noman Cole Wastewater Plant Community Tours - 10:30 a.m.

Signs Part II Zoning Ordinance Amendment

On October 25, the Planning Commission decided to defer consideration of a proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment regarding sign regulations to November 15. The Board of Supervisors Public Hearing is still scheduled for November 21 at 3:30 pm. A link to the Board Item and a staff report is published on the Signs Part II website. For additional information, please contact the Zoning Administration Division at 703-324-1314 or [email protected], or visit Suite 801 of the Herrity Building, 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. 

Outdoor Dining Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment

This proposal will consider ways to allow outdoor dining as an accessory use to a restaurant, carry-out restaurant, restaurant with drive-through, craft beverage production establishment or other similar use that has a food establishment permit by carrying forward the approach set forth in the COVID Emergency Ordinance. The Outdoor Dining proposed changes to the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance are available for public review and feedback. The community is invited to review the draft text.

Health, Housing & Human Services

Need Help with Heat? Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold.

You may be eligible to receive help with heating costs through two energy assistance programs that are accepting applications.

• The Fuel Assistance Program helps eligible households in meeting their energy needs by supplementing the cost associated with their primary heat source. Eligible households must meet income requirements. Applications are open until Friday, November 10.
• The Crisis Assistance Program is designed to help households overcome energy emergencies that cannot be met by other resources. An energy emergency is determined when a household has no heat or is in imminent danger of being without heat. Applications are open from November 1 through March 15 for heating equipment repair/purchase/maintenance and a one-time-only heat security deposit.

Four Ways to Apply:

• Apply online.
• Phone: Enterprise Call Center at 833-5-CALL-VA (833-522-5582).
• In Person: Applications for Energy Assistance are available at the Fairfax County Human Services Centers (Lake Anne in Reston).
• To request a paper application, email [email protected] and mail to: 12011 Government Center Parkway, Suite 232, Fairfax, VA 22035

Keep Your Medicaid Information Updated

It is important to keep your personal information up to date to ensure there are no gaps in your health care coverage. There are three ways you can report a change:

1. Log in or create an account at Common Help
2. Call Cover Virginia at 833-5CALLVA (TTY: 1-888-221-1590)
3. Call the DFS Customer Call Center at 703-324-7500 or email [email protected]

Rental Property Owners are Invited to Free Information Session

Wednesday, November 8, 12 p.m.

FCRHA is offering a free information session to landlords. During this online discussion, affordable housing experts will share information on how property owners can grow their rental business with Housing Choice Voucher tenants. Attendees will receive information about how to participate in the program, and the opportunity to have questions addressed by affordable housing program experts. Register for the webinar. 

Transportation - Call to Action

I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study Comment Period Extended

VDOT, in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other federal, state and local agencies in Virginia and Maryland, is conducting an environmental study evaluating the potential extension of the Express Lanes system on the southern section of the Capital Beltway (I-495) by 11 miles from the Springfield interchange (I-95/I-395/I-495) in Fairfax County, across the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, to the MD 210 interchange in Prince George’s County, Maryland. The comment period has been extended till Monday, November 6. Constituents wishing to provide comments or inputs between now and Monday, November 6 can:

• Submit comments by email to: [email protected]
• Call VDOT at: 703-259-3752 
• Send comments by mail to:

Mr. Nick Nies, AICP

VDOT 495 Southside Express Lanes Study NEPA Project Manager

9030 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 220

Richmond, VA 23235

Chief's Spotlight

This week’s Chief’s Spotlight highlights the swift response of our Mount Vernon and Franconia Mids B officers and our Technical Investigations Unit, working together to locate and apprehend a suspect responsible for a recent indecent exposure.

New Mount Vernon District Police Station Subscription in Fairfax Alerts 

Sign up and learn more.

Charge Up Fairfax - Application Deadline Nov 12

With more and more EVs on the road, it's time for HOAs to start thinking about installing electric vehicle charging stations. The Charge Up Fairfax pilot program is the perfect opportunity for multi-family condo, cluster and townhome communities to make it happen. Deadline for applications is approaching! Don’t miss out – apply before November 12, 2023. Learn more.

Opportunities to Charge@Work: A Green Business Partners and Best Workplaces for Commuters Webinar

Tuesday, November 14, 12 p.m.

Zoom

Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination (OEEC) and Department of Transportation (DOT), along with Charge@Work, are partnering to help businesses power up their workplace charging programs. They’ll host the “Opportunities to Charge@Work: A Green Business Partners and Best Workplaces for Commuters Webinar” to demonstrate a new free online tool to plan and implement electric vehicle charging at your business. Join this webinar to get an overview of Charge@Work, Best Workplaces for Commuters (BWC) and the Green Business Partners program and explore the future of workplace charging. Learn more and register for this event. For questions about this event, please email [email protected].

It’s Fall — Time to Plant Trees 

An important goal of our community is to plant more native trees, and autumn is the best time to do that. Most of the places that need trees are on private property. Learn more on the Plant NOVA Trees website.

Coping with Climate Change Takes Everyone

“This is not a doom and gloom conference,” Supervisor James Walkinshaw announced in opening his first annual Climate Action Conference at Lake Braddock Secondary School on September 30 to an audience of around 250. Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck ticked off County efforts – the Fairfax Green Initiative, the Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP), Resilient Fairfax and the Joint Environmental Task Force. The CECAP plan seeks energy carbon neutrality in local government operations by 2040. A second goal is carbon neutrality in the community from all sources by 2050, with at least an 87 percent reduction in total greenhouse gas emissions compared with 2005 levels. “It will be very difficult,” Storck said, adding, “We are making excellent progress.” Read more from the Mount Vernon Gazette.

Homeowners Gave Jim Crow His Comeuppance

“From plantation to farm to subdivision,” mused Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck. Storck was speaking at a ceremony Saturday, October 7 organized by retired Los Angeles Times journalist Jube Shiver Jr., celebrating the County’s designation of Randall Estates as a “historic district,” whose developers navigated Jim Crow to make it one of the few Black subdivisions of its scope put together by African Americans for African Americans in the segregated South. “History does matter,” Storck said, referring to some of this struggle, “but we can change the future by what we do today.” Read more from Journal-isms.

Thousands of DC-Area Kids Get Winter Coats Just in Time for Chilly Trick-or-Treating

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department sent 2,000 free winter coats to local students in need on Tuesday, October 31. Some of the youngest students even got to visit the firehouse and pick out their jackets. Around 200 preschoolers filed off buses into the Penn Daw Fire Station 11. Many of them dressed up in costumes for Halloween petted the firehouse dog as they went from table to table to find that coat with the perfect fit and color. “Tonight when they trick or treat they’ll have a brand new coat to wear, and they’re going to need it,” said Willie Bailey, retired deputy chief. He has helped organize the coat distribution for the last two decades. The coats have gone to around 50 schools, shelters and nonprofits in Fairfax County and Alexandria in Virginia and Prince George’s County, Maryland. Read more from WTOP.

Early In-Person Voting and What You Need to Know for the November 7 General Election

Early in-person voting is happening now at our Mount Vernon Governmental Center and the Lorton Community Center until November 4. In-person voting and ballot drop box times are:

• Friday: 1 - 7 p.m.
• Saturday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Sunday & Monday: Closed

Learn more.

Every polling place will be open on Tuesday, November 7 from 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. If you are in line by 7 p.m., you will be able to vote. Before you vote, double-check your registration status and polling place. You can look up this information on the state’s online portal, or call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711.

If you are not registered to vote yet, you may complete a same day voter registration on Election Day, but you must go to the polling place for the precinct where you live. To find your precinct and polling place, enter your address in the County's My Neighborhood application or call the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776, TTY 711.

County Staff Temporarily Shelve Proposal to Discontinue Vacuum Leaf Service

Vacuum leaf service will continue until at least the 2025-2026 winter season following DPWES staffs’ postponement of a proposal submitted to the Board of Supervisors to discontinue the service following the upcoming 2023-2024 vacuum season. Residents who receive the service also will receive information through the mail with a status update. As the service continues for the approximately 5% of County residences that receive it, DPWES will initiate an outreach campaign to provide information to residents on more environmentally-beneficial alternatives to manage leaves on-site. Learn more.

Enter the Fairfax Area Student “Shark Tank” Technology Competition

Are you a high school student with an idea for a product or application that will make life easier or more enjoyable for an older adult? The Fairfax Area 50+ Technology Committee is issuing a challenge to high school students in Fairfax County, Fairfax City and the City of Falls Church to develop an innovative device or app that will have a positive impact on the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. Initial project proposals are due by December 15. Cash prizes will be awarded by sponsor, INTEGRITYOne Partners. Learn more about the “Shark Tank” Technology Challenge. 

Need to Sign-up for Medicare? Attend a Medicare 101 Workshop

Medicare 101 Workshops, led by the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP), are for individuals and their care partners who will soon be eligible for Medicare or have Medicare and would like to learn more about it. Several in-person workshops and virtual presentations are scheduled in November. Registration is required. Register online or call VICAP at 703-324-5851, TTY 711. Find presentation dates and learn more. 

See Live Raptors

Saturday, November 5, 1 - 3 p.m.

Fort Hunt Park, Pavilion A, 8999 Fort Hunt Rd.

Have you wanted to see live raptors like owls and hawks up close? You're in luck, head over to Fort Hunt Park on November 5 to check out these birds of prey. This is a great event for families! Sponsored by the Friends of Dyke Marsh, the National Park Service and Secret Gardens Birds. Registration is not required.

Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant Tours and Open House

Saturday, December 2, 10:30 a.m.

9399 Richmond Hwy., Lorton

Curious about how the County treats wastewater? Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant is opening their doors to answer all your questions. There will be plant tours, activities and educational materials for the whole family and information about available jobs. Hot cocoa will be provided! Sign up today.

Thanksgiving Food Drives

Help create a Happy Thanksgiving for families in our community! United Community expects to provide 450 families in our community with a bag of Thanksgiving must-haves and a $25 grocery card so families can purchase their protein of choice and perishable items. Learn more.

Lorton Community Action Center

Community Links

Below are community links to local groups, organizations, school news and more. Click the links to learn more and sign up for their newsletters.

• Mount Vernon Council of Citizens' Associations
• South County Federation
• South Fairfax Development Corporation
• South Fairfax Chamber of Commerce
• Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce
• Fairfax County Public Schools News You Choose
• Ventures in Community (VIC)

Pet Adoption Corner

Meet Effie

Miss Effie is a ball of energy, light and positivity! At 8 months old, Effie has a lot of playing and exploring left to do! She has a gorgeous black and white coat that is just too adorable! Effie has shown some interest in people and toys but loves exploring her area and finding new experiences! She is a curious and inquisitive girl who would do well in a home that can get all her physical and mental energy out. She would love to join you on a hike, run or even a couple long walks a day. Her energy can be a bit much for some more reserved dogs, so the shelter recommends bringing your pup from home to meet her and see if they can be besties! If you're looking for a longtime companion, Effie is ready to step up and meet that goal!

Effie 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.

Code Compliance - Indoor Heating

With morning frost becoming more common, you may be interested in the minimum indoor heating requirements. Here is a summary of what the Virginia Maintenance Code requires.

Living in apartments or leased residential condominiums:

• Heat must be provided and able to keep a minimum temperature of 68°F in rooms like bedrooms and living rooms, from October 15 - May 1.
• If the outside temperature drops below 17°F, a heating system operating without noticeable mechanical defects is compliant, even if the system is not able to keep a minimum of 68°F.

Working indoors such as in office buildings:

• Must be heated to at least 65°F from October 1 - April 15, except for processing, storage and operation areas that require cooling or special temperature conditions.

Space heaters can’t be the only source of heat. Before using space heaters, please obtain safety guidelines.

If you are concerned about potential violations:

• First, always ask your landlord or property management to address the issue.
• If unresolved, please contact the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) at 703-324-1300, TTY 711.

Emergency Preparedness November Newsletter

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!

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!

October 2023 Activities:

• Phone calls: 1267
• Meetings: 237

Stay Connected: 

Mount Vernon Governmental Center

2511 Parkers Lane 

Mount Vernon, VA 22306

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

[email protected] 

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

Update from Mount Vernon School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders

Please read my partner on the corridor School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders' latest newsletter for an update on Fairfax County Public Schools. 

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.

Commission for Women

To promote the full equality of women and girls in Fairfax County.  

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 September 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 [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.

Mount Vernon District Office | 703-780-7518

[email protected] | FairfaxCounty.gov/MountVernon

STAY CONNECTED