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I am very excited that fall weather is here – pumpkin spice, warm fires, falling leaves and spooky goblins are lurking right around the corner. AND, it means that Tour de Mount Vernon is almost here! This annual community bike ride is a wonderful opportunity to grab your friends, jump on your bike and spend a Saturday morning exploring the hidden (and not so hidden) treasures of the southern part of the Mount Vernon District. Starting and ending at the Workhouse Arts Center, we will ride to Mason Neck, across Fort Belvoir, to the Army Museum and back on the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail. Want to join us on Saturday, October 22, but not up for the ride this year? We need lots of volunteers to make this large event a success, especially enthusiastic ride ambassadors along the route to cheer riders on and keep them on track! Learn more and register to ride or volunteer today…
Last week, I was pleased to join other County leaders, state and County agencies and school leaders to launch a multifaceted countywide campaign, “Take a Moment” to reduce traffic related deaths and injuries. However, again yesterday, we had two incidents in our area where people did not “Take a Moment” and tragically one more pedestrian life was lost, and another is in critical condition. Whether you are a walker, runner, biker, driver or all of the above, each of us has the responsibility to ensure our streets are as safe as possible for all users. There are no single solutions to this challenge, it takes all of us “Taking a Moment” to protect precious lives. You can read my full article in the Mount Vernon Gazette for more information and remember it only “Takes a Moment” to save a life.
I recently learned that the owner of the Engleside and Ray’s Mobile Home communities is planning to sell his
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In this Newsletter:
GW Pickleball Court
Lorton Community Center & Library
Tour de Mount Vernon
Upcoming Events
Land Use
Health, Housing & Human Services
Transportation
Public Safety
Parks & Environment
In the News
Community Information
Supporting Our Seniors
Pet Adoption Corner
Important Safety Information
Team MVD
Boards, Authorities, Commissions
| Take a Moment Campaign for Pedestrian, Bike and Traffic Safety | |
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property to a company that owns and operates manufactured housing across the country. What many do not know is that manufactured housing communities are unique in many ways, but most importantly, they provide a strong neighborhood with built in support and social networks for many underserved and often low-income families. Residents truly feel they have a special connection to their neighbors and they are gravely concerned about being displaced - losing the land their homes sit on - or facing rapidly rising rents. I met with the Engleside and Ray’s neighborhood this week to hear their concerns and talk about next steps. I strongly share their concerns and I am working hard to address them.
Please join me for the Senior Safety Summit on Wednesday, November 2 at Hollin Hall Senior Center. The morning will start with a light breakfast at 8:30 a.m., exhibitors will be open from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., and five presentations about safety for seniors will occur between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. While last year's summit was virtual, I look forward to seeing everyone in person this year! I am always looking for new ways to support the seniors in our community, so if you have any suggestions, I look forward to hearing from you at the summit!
I also hope to see you at the George Washington Rec Center for the Grand Opening of their improved pickleball courts at 9 a.m. and Lorton Community Center, Library and Park Ribbon Cutting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 15.
Respectfully yours in public service,
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Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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Join me for the 7th Annual Community Bike Ride on Saturday, October 22 at 8:30 am- starting and ending at the Workhouse Arts Center. The Tour de Mount Vernon brings cyclists on a fun ride through the southern and central portions of the Mount Vernon District including a scenic route through Fort Belvoir. The route consists of paved roads, paved trails and has several challenging sections. Ride monitors and Fairfax County Police help with directions and keep everyone safe. Registration is open and we need volunteers! Sign up here...
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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 Carcamo Reyes a su preferencia, por teléfono al (703) 780-7518 o por correo electrónico: Madeleine.CarcamoReyes@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events
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PLUS and Land Use Legacy System Outage
Fairfax County is converting all of its land use permitting, plan review, inspections and complaint systems to the Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) on October 31. During the transition, all online application and review systems, including PLUS, FIDO, ProjectDox and PAWS will be unavailable, beginning Friday, October 21, at 4:30 p.m. until Monday, Oct. 31. Learn more...
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Countywide SSPA 2022-23 Process Has Begun
Nominations for site-specific land use changes are now being accepted, as the County’s Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process has officially begun! Detailed instructions on how to prepare and submit a nomination are provided in the 2022-2023 SSPA Nominator Guide, which includes an overview of the process and timeline, how to research Comprehensive Plan information, the nomination submission requirements, and review criteria. Learn more...
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Affordable Housing Prevention Comprehensive Plan Amendment
As discussed at the September 30 BOS Housing Committee, the Affordable Housing Preservation Comprehensive Plan policy has been released for community feedback and there is an Open House coming up soon for you to learn more. The proposed policy seeks to help preserve existing affordable rental housing. Community feedback will be accepted through October 28 at 4:30 p.m. Find out more on the Open House and the proposed policy...
Virtual Open House:
Wednesday, October 12
9 a.m. - 10 a.m.
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Health, Housing & Human Services | |
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Citizen Application Workshop
Saturday, October 29
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sacramento Neighborhood Center
Applying for citizenship is easier than you think. United Community in partnership with Opportunity Neighborhood and COMMUNITY+ are hosting a Citizenship Application Workhouse. The workshop fee is $125 and by appointment only. Food and childcare are provided. Register here...
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HUD Rental Assistance
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Marcia Fudge, visited Fairfax County to announce the most expansive allocation of flexible rental assistance in 20 years with the award of more than 19,000 new Housing Choice Vouchers to almost 2,000 public housing authorities across the country. Learn more...
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Metro Yellow and Blue Line Delays
Six Metro stations (Huntington, Eisenhower, Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street, King Street-Old Town, and Braddock Road) south of Reagan National Airport on the Yellow and Blue lines have extended the closure due to unexpected site conditions. The lines closed on September 10 and were expected to reopen on October 22, but have now been pushed back to open on November 5. Free shuttle bus service will continue to be available. The Metroway - Potomac Yard line will continue to be free, and parking fees at Franconia-Springfield, Huntington, and Van Dorn Street stations will continue to be waived. Learn more and sign up for updates here. For travel alternatives learn more here.
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The One - BRT Station Naming Discussion
Wednesday, October 12
6:30 - 8 p.m.
Hybla Valley Community Center
As a way to refine the plan for Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), and respond to community ideas about better ways to reflect station location and community character, FCDOT is revisiting station names for three of the nine stations. There will be an open house to gather input and share more information on October 12, drop in at anytime. If you cannot attend, a survey will be sent out to gather more feedback through November 4. Learn more...
Station's that will be revisited:
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Station #2 (Cross streets: N Kings Hwy / S Kings Hwy; Currently named "Penn Daw")
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Station #5 (Cross streets: Boswell Ave / Fordson Rd; Currently named "Hybla Valley")
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Station #6 (Cross street: Sherwood Hall Ln; Currently named "Gum Springs")
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Thank you Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
On September 27, the Mount Vernon Station 9 and surrounding stations, worked quickly and creatively to rescue a man who had fallen 10 feet from a wall into a construction area with no way to get out without a ladder. When Fire and Rescue discovered the patient was immobile, they had to develop a plan to create a stroke basket evolution to lift the man out of the tight location. All members of the team worked flawlessly to make sure the patient was secured safely and safety precautions were taken for all rescuers.
Thank you to our brave firefighters, you are doing great things and this is just one example of the difficult and creative work you do every day to keep the community safe!
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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Domestic violence is a family, community and public health issue with widespread ripple effects that impact all parts of our community. It takes all of us to build a peaceful and safe District and County. Take a look at the community engagement toolkit to help recognize the month and spread the word about this widespread issue.
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Scout Night
Officers from the West Springfield District Station will be hosting a Scout Night, on Wednesday, October 12. If your den or troop would like to visit the police station and speak with officers, contact the station for available times. Officers will give a presentation to the kids in the community room, provide a video tour of the station, and then have a hands-on tour of the police car outside. Visits are limited to one den/troop every half hour. If older scouts need specific requirements for a badge, please contact the station and they can discuss arrangements. Contact either PFC Liam May at 703-277-2357, or MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 for scheduling or further questions.
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Let's Talk
Did you know the West Springfield District Station covers over 66 square miles, has over 200,000 community members, 40 public schools, 70 houses of worship, around 110 police officers, and ten different patrol areas? If you would like to know more about the district, crime prevention, or just have questions, join MPO Anthony Capizzi on Thursday, October 13, at 6:30 p.m. for a virtual community meeting. Please use the link below. If you have any questions before the meeting, contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363.
Zoom link
Password: 246892
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Spotted Lanternfly Egg Mass "Search Scrape and Destroy" Underway in Fairfax County
Spotted lanternflies are non-native invasive species and have now been spotted in Fairfax. With the help of Fairfax County residents, it may be possible to slow the spread of the spotted lanternfly. Fairfax County Forest Pest Management is asking residents to ‘search-scrape-and destroy’ spotted lanternfly egg masses. Adult females lay their inconspicuous egg masses in September and through the first few hard frosts of November. The egg masses are covered in a light gray colored wax that looks like mud when it dries. They are laid on the woody parts of trees, and shrubs, as well as stone, metal, concrete, and other surfaces so it is a good idea to look for them on all yard objects and vehicles.
How to get rid of spotted lanternfly egg masses:
- Scrape egg masses carefully into a container and drown in soapy water or rubbing alcohol. Pesticides are unnecessary and should be avoided so the egg masses can then be safely disposed of in your trash, composted, or simply buried in your yard. Eggs can survive the winter and hatch if they are only scraped onto the ground.
Learn more...
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Kite Flyers Reminded of Dangers of String, Filament Left Behind
Flying a kite seems simple, but there are strings attached to this fun activity. If you fly a kite and leave behind kite string filament, you may be responsible for injuring or trapping wildlife. You may also impede park maintenance and damage equipment, and you may even potentially injure people who get tangled in kite string. Recently, there have been groups and individuals flying kites above Laurel Hill Park, the Central Green and Laurel Hill Golf Club. Generally, kite flying is a welcomed activity and fairly benign; however, over the past few months, several incidents have occurred that cause concern.
The Fairfax County Park Authority is in the process of developing signage to communicate kite-flying rules and safety information, providing more trash cans in the area, and trying to contact any groups or individuals who may be flying kites at Laurel Hill Park. Once signs are in place, those witnessing violations of the kite-flying rules will be asked to contact police at the non-emergency number 703-691-2131. Learn more...
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Upgraded bridge on Mount Vernon Trail in Fort Hunt officially reopens
The National Park Service has completed the first of four planned projects to reconstruct bridges along Mount Vernon Trail. Park service staff, elected officials and community members celebrated the reopening of Bridge 12 near Fort Hunt Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, September 24. The occasion coincided with National Public Lands Day, which encourages volunteers to help restore and improve national parks and other public lands. Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck and state Senator Scott Surovell were among the officials who attended the ribbon-cutting. Read more on FFX Now...
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Affordable Housing Units Available Through Workforce Dwelling Unit
Fairfax County Workforce Dwelling Unit (WDU) Homebuyers Program provides a means for qualified homebuyers earning up to 120 percent of the area median income (AMI) to purchase a home at below-market prices near employment centers and transportation options. WDU townhomes and condominiums are located within market-rate developments throughout the County and vary in size and layout. Potential applicants are encouraged to check the WDU Homebuyers website regularly to look for new purchase opportunities. Read more from the Fairfax County Times...
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$2 Million Amazon Gift Supports Hybla Valley Affordable Housing
Good Shepherd Housing, a Richmond Highway corridor nonprofit, was selected to receive the gift to keep the 18 units at Colchester Towne Condominium as affordable housing. Colchester Towne is a community in the Hybla Valley area. The $2 million gift is the largest single gift in the nonprofit's history. Under my leadership as Good Shepherd Housing Board President from 1999 - 2001, the nonprofit purchased its first home and started its home ownership model. Read more from The Patch...
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Mount Vernon Trunk or Treat
Join Police Officers (& Friends!) from the Mount Vernon District Station at this year’s Trunk or Treat extravaganza! The event will be held on Wednesday, October 26th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Hybla Valley Community Center, located at 7950 Audubon Avenue. The event is FREE and a fun way to "Trick-Or-Treat" by going "Trunk-To-Trunk" in a family-oriented atmosphere. There will be decorations, costumes and lots of candy! If it rains, the event will be cancelled. If a business or an organization is interested in hosting a trunk, please email PFC Katie Watts.
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Do You Have a Vision for the Future of the Workhouse Arts Center Campus? We want to Hear from You!
By 2023, our mission is to create a roadmap to transform the Workhouse Campus into a vibrant, arts-focused, multi-use campus that realizes its development potential while maintaining, protecting and leveraging the site’s historic character, assets and resources. To take the next steps in this mission, we need to hear what the greater Lorton community has to say. Please take the community survey.
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Mount Vernon Regional Historical Society - History of Public Schools in the Mount Vernon District
Tuesday, October 25 at 7 p.m.
Sherwood Regional Library
Learn about the history of the public schools of Mount Vernon District. Using rare photographs and documents, maps, and other illustrations, historian Jeff Clark will lead attendees on an exploration of Fairfax County Public Schools during the period of 1870 to 1945. Through digitally restored audio recordings and film footage, guests will learn about the era of one-room schoolhouses from a former FCPS teacher and Superintendent W. T. Woodson. Attendees will also learn about the Spring Bank School, the last one-room school operated by FCPS. Join us as we explore the fascinating history of the public schools of yesteryear.
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Venture into Volunteering Virtual Fair
Wednesday - Friday, October 12, 13 & 14
10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Don’t miss this opportunity to explore various ways to volunteer in the community. You're invited to the 2022 Venture into Volunteering Fair! Twenty-seven non-profit organizations and Fairfax County agencies will share how they incorporate volunteers in service and be available to answer questions. You may join the virtual Zoom event at any time, for any of the 30-minute presentations. No pre-registration necessary. Learn more...
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Nominations for Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards
Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area? If so, nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2022 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 21. Award winners are honored for demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities and receive an award. Learn more...
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Lorton Station Elementary School Fall Festival
Lorton Station Elementary School is having their Fall Festival, Saturday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This is a FREE event with food available for purchase. There will be fall fun, activities and crafts for the whole family. Learn more...
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Memory Depot
With more time in our homes, many have been cleaning out boxes old photos and videos. But, what to do with them? Check out the Fairfax County Libraries’ Memory Depot Stations at six library branches around the County. The library's Memory Depots are currently located at the Centreville Regional Library, City of Fairfax Regional Library, George Mason Regional Library, Pohick Regional Library, Reston Regional Library and Sherwood Regional Library. Learn more...
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George Mason University Fall Sports
Crisp fall days and Mason’s fall sporting events have returned. Mason Nation can cheer on the Patriots in a variety of sports this fall: men’s and women’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, cross country, golf, and men’s and women’s tennis. Learn more...
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Three Ways to Help Those Impacted by Hurricane Ian
Monetary Donations
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American Red Cross allows for you to donate directly to those affected by Hurricane Ian. Donate here.
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The Florida Disaster Fund is another great place to donate money. They distribute funds to service organizations that will serve individuals within their communities with disaster response and recovery. All administrative and credit card fees have been waived so that 100% of every donation can be used to help Floridians recover. Your can donate on the Volunteer Florida website now.
Volunteer
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Volunteer Connect by Volunteer Florida is a great organization that has a list of volunteer opportunities both in-person and virtual. Learn more...
Donate Blood
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American Red Cross has an urgent call for blood donations since Hurricane Ian and they need your help. Find a blood drive near you, here.
Learn more...
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Free Family Caregiver Webinar: Medicare 102
Wednesday, October 19
12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
The Medicare 102 training is for individuals who are interested in learning more about Medicare coverage. The session will provide an overview of advanced Medicare details, such as the Medicare website, the latest regulatory changes and key legislative proposals, as well as provide individuals an opportunity to ask more complex questions. Register today...
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Senior Safety Summit
Wednesday, November 2
8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Hollin Hall Senior Center
Please join me for the Senior Safety Summit on November 2. There will be exhibitors and presentations by the Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, INOVA ElderLink, Department of Family Services - Adult & Aging, and myself about what is available in the community to support seniors and what they can do to increase their safety.
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Light breakfast will be available at 8:30 a.m.
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Exhibit Hall will open at 9 a.m. and be available to explore until 12 p.m.
- Small raffle for those who explore the exhibitor tables.
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Presentations will be from 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
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Meet Pumpkin
Two-year-old Pumpkin is here just in time for fall! This big orange boy was returned to us because he LOVES attention and admittedly was not too keen on sharing with the resident cat. His previous owner describes Pumpkin as "Incredibly affectionate. Loves to be around me, silly, and playful." He also is a champ with the litter box and likes to hang with dogs!
If you'd like to meet Pumpkin, or any of the adoptable pets, go in during open hours! We're open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12 - 5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12 - 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. For more info on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, click here...
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Important Safety Information | |
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Free Testing for COVID-19
PCR testing with results in 1-2 days. There is no appointment necessary, no registration required, no ID needed and no out-of-pocket costs. Testing occurs every Wednesday at Groveton Baptist Church from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. Other testing locations...
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Protect the Life You Have Built with Flood Insurance
Just one inch of water can cause roughly $25,000 in damage and flooding is one of Fairfax County's most common hazards. Flood insurance can help mitigate financial risks providing peace of mind for residents. Right now, the Department of Emergency Management and Security (DEMS) is partnering with FEMA’s National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to promote the value of flood insurance across the National Capitol Region, as well as specifically here in Fairfax County. Sign up today for coverage. Read more...
October Emergency Preparedness Newsletter...
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Mount Vernon District Staff (clockwise): Supervisor Dan Storck, Camela Speer, Peyton Smith, Maddie Carcamo Reyes, Christine Morin, Volunteer Shirley Short, Cassidy Donaghy and Nick Rinehart.
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Whether you need a 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, environmental concerns, or need COVID-19 vaccine information? Stop by the Mount Vernon District Office anytime during our office hours, call or email us. We are here to help! | |
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September 2022 Activities:
- Phone calls: 774
- Meetings: 274
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
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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
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 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.
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5 Things to Know from the 2021-2022 Youth Survey
Mental health issues (such as persistent sadness/hopelessness, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts), physical activity, amount of sleep and fasting are among the issues that influenced the health and wellbeing of Fairfax County youth in the 2020-2021 school year, according to the annual Fairfax County Youth Survey. In addition to shedding light on students’ behaviors and experiences, the survey also identifies ways that you can actively help teens succeed and avoid or reduce risky behaviors.
Overall, youth in Fairfax County report prevalence near historic lows for risk behaviors including substance use, sexual activity and aggressive and delinquent behavior. However, there remain some challenges as well. Read 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.
Citizen Corps Council
To harness the power of every individual through education, training and volunteer service to make communities safer, stronger and better prepared to respond to the threats of terrorism, crime, public health issues and disasters of all kinds. To build on community strengths to develop action plans to involve the whole community, including special needs groups. To focus on public education, training and volunteer opportunities for community and family safety. To promote and oversee Citizen Corps programs. To provide opportunities for special skills and interests. To Identify best practices and report accomplishments.
Human Services Council
To review human services needs and assess the effectiveness of the human services delivery system; to report annually on the conditions and effectiveness of the human services delivery system; to develop a more effective and efficient human services delivery system; to enhance coordination of services among human services providers, both public and private; to recommend annual service delivery goals, objectives, and priorities for human services organization, with consideration of the requirements of non-county funding sources; to develop and oversee a five-year long range comprehensive human services plan which establishes goals, objectives and priorities; to educate the community, in consultation with the Board of Supervisors, on human services; to review and transmit to the Board of Supervisors a program-oriented budget for human services; and to review the annual Capital Improvement Plan and provide appropriate comments to the Board of Supervisors.
There are several At-Large positions available as of August 2022 on County BACs.
- Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Alternate & Design Professional)
- Board of Equalization of Real Estate
- Engineering Standard Review Committee
- Health Systems Agency Board
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Human Rights Commission
- Police Civilian Review Panel
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.
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Congratulations to Mount Vernon Community Children's Theatre and the Workhouse Arts Center for receiving the ArtsFairfax Operating Support Grant FY23! Learn more... | | | | | |
