Community Champion

STEAMOLOGY and Health Care Advisory Board Representative, Shikha Dixit

Earlier this month I attended STEAMOLOGY's annual STEM Fest, led by Mount Vernon District resident, Shikha Dixit. I was thoroughly impressed with the thought, time and effort that went into creating an event such as STEM Fest and I wanted to learn more about how it went from an idea, to STEAMOLOGY's flagship annual event. STEAM Education is an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Math for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.

Shikha explained that STEM Fest was her son Akul's suggestion a few years ago when he was 11 years old. He had attended his school's science fair and wanted to see something similar specifically geared towards helping younger, underserved students in the community. My partner on the corridor, Mount Vernon District School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders aided by providing school space for the event. STEM Fest aims to help K-8 students experience hands-on experiments to learn about simple and fun STEM concepts. Shikha says "it takes engagement to spark passion in students." Shikha also stated that she "strongly believe[s] in bringing STEM education to all, especially the underrepresented communities." She has witnessed students walk into the event, timid and scared to ask questions, and leave feeling excited to talk about the incredible experiments they learned about!

Along with organizing STEAMOLOGY, Shikha serves as the Health Care Advisory Board representative for the Mount Vernon District. Shikha has always been passionate about giving back to her community and volunteering has been the best way for her to meet and help others. Shikha was brought up in a family of doctors and has seen how their service brings hope and relief to patients. When the opportunity arose to join the Board, she knew she could contribute to healthcare ideas and improvements in our community. In her service, Shikha aided in making a motion about the Support of In-Patient Alcohol and Substance Abuse Treatment Facility. She feels we must all be willing to contribute to making our community healthier and happier.

Not only does Shikha volunteer her time, she is a small business owner of an information technology firm and provides employment to local professionals. She resides in Lorton with her husband and two sons. In her free time she loves chatting with neighbors, cooking, gardening and playing games such as badminton. Shikha also enjoys judging local science fairs with her husband. Thank you Shikha for everything you do to create a healthier, more educated and kinder community. You are truly a Community Champion! 

Community Information & Events

Lorton Community Center Artwork Survey

The new Lorton Community Center and Library opened their doors to the public and had their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting this past Saturday, October 15, with more than 500 residents joining the celebration! Thank you to those on who attended the event and to everyone who made the day so special.

The Community Center is still looking for your input on the artwork to include in three areas of the building. Take the survey to help with the decision making process. The locations that need your input include:

• The foyer above the community meeting room;
• The entrance space right of the lobby side wall when you enter the facility; and
• The back hallway above the teen space. 

Take the survey...

Richmond Highway Right of Way Acquisition Update

Within the next few days, you can expect to see demolition of the old Alexandria Motel at 6411 Richmond Highway. This is the FIRST of the full Right of Way acquisitions scheduled to be demolished as part of the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)/Widening project. 

Fun fact: In a show of true County collaboration, our Fire & Rescue Department conducted training exercises on the property last week before it gets demolished. Thank you to our firefighters for taking advantage of this real life experience to stay ready and prepared!

FCDOT has received a demolition permit (Permit # 222000186, Issue date: 10/05/22) from Land Development Service for the demolition. Demolition could start any time after October 17. When demolition work begins, it is expected to last 5 to 10 days. After the demolition is completed, contractors will start with the backfill of the basement, rough grading, and seeding.

SHAPE the Future

Tuesday, November 1

10 - 11:30 a.m.

Hybla Valley Community Center - Gymnasium

7950 Audubon Avenue

Register...

Fairfax County, together with the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church, continues to collect input to learn more about the aging experience in our area to plan for a more aging-friendly community. The Community Assessment Survey for Older Adults (CASOA) was sent to a scientifically random sample of adults ages 50 and older in early 2022. 

The plan includes collecting additional input from the community at town hall meetings. Your input will be used to help inform the SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan, a strategic plan for aging services. Learn more...

Fairfax County Launches Opioid Overdose Data Dashboard

In collaboration with the Opioid and Substance Use Task Force, the Fairfax County Health Department (FCHD) has created a new public-facing dashboard that will inform residents of trends in opioid overdoses and overdose deaths in the Fairfax Health District.

“The goal of the dashboard is to ensure that Fairfax County residents understand the threat that opioid drugs pose in our community and recognize that overdoses and overdose deaths affect a wide range of ages, people of both sexes, and all racial and ethnic groups,” said Dr. Benjamin Schwartz, Director of Epidemiology & Population Health. Read more about the new Opioid Overdose Data Dashboard...

18th Annual Fairfax County History Conference

Hybrid Event

Saturday, November 5

8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center

3740 Old Lee Hwy, Fairfax

The theme will continue with the second of a four-part conference series – this year focusing on the Immigrants of the Early 20th Century and the continued contributions of the African-American community. The focus will be on German, Irish, Jewish and Italian heritage immigrants – the contributions and marks they each have left on the fabric of this great County. This year's conference will be hybrid with the option of attending either in person or viewing the conference on Fairfax County Channel 16 television. In person attendance is $30 and will included breakfast and lunch. Registration form for on site attendance...

Fairfax Prevention Coalition - Practical Tools and Techniques to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Thursday, October 20

6:30 - 8 p.m.

Virtual: Registration required

The past two years have been stressful and challenging for everyone, and it's taken an emotional toll on all of us. Join Dr. Aaron Weiner for a 90-minute overview of effective mental hygiene techniques, why they benefit the brain on a neurological level, and live instruction of basic techniques that you can use to care for both your own mental health and the youth that you serve. Learn more...

Let's Talk Better Bus

Metro is going on the road with Better Bus, a new initiative to rethink, redesign and revitalize bus service. In a bold inaugural effort to redesign the current bus network, Metro is holding events across the region to hear from customers and the community. Together with Metro, customers will shape the future of bus service.

The bus network redesign is just the beginning of a reimagined Metro that better serves the needs of customers, including the transition to zero-emission buses, construction of all-electric bus garages, priority bus lanes and signals, bus stop and shelter improvements, and ensures equity of service across communities. Everyone in the region is encouraged to provide feedback on the online survey – regardless of whether they are an existing bus customer – to help shape a new, Better Bus network. Read more from Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority...

Senior Planet - Getting Started with Facebook

Tuesday, October 25

1:15 - 2:30 p.m.

Wellness Center for Older Adults (WCOA)

4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax

AARP Virginia and Senior Planet from AARP will be hosting a Getting Started with Facebook class. During this free hands-on workshop, you will sign up for Facebook and begin building your profile. You’ll also learn how to find friends and use Facebook’s privacy settings. Register here or call 1-877-926-8300.

Thinking about Opening a Business? Fairfax County Can Help! 

Are you curious about the requirements to start a business in Fairfax County? Visit the County “starting a business” webpage. There you will find a step-by-step guide to start, expand or relocate your business. Need a specific question answered? Since each location is unique, permit and process guidance is available to you at no cost. Contact the Fairfax County Business Experience Partner for more information.

In-Person Early Voting

Here at the Mount Vernon Governmental Center early in-person voting is available to any registered Fairfax County voter until November 5.

Hours of operation will include:

• Weekdays from 1 - 7 p.m.
• Two Saturdays, October 29 and November 5 from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• One Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1 - 5 p.m.

To learn more...

Join Us!