May is upon us, and our FREE Neighborhood College continuing education series kicked off two weeks ago with almost 40 participants. This program provides an opportunity for residents to learn more about our County government and how to engage with our various departments, programs and initiatives. If you missed it this time around, don’t worry, we will do it again and I encourage you to join us next time.

Thank you to everyone who attended the Environment Expo, it was a smashing success! On a lovely April day, over 500 individuals and families turned out to pet tortoises, learn about owls, pilot robots, pet fox pelts, learn to recycle right, see solar cooking demonstrations and take a spin on electric bikes. These are just some of the many activities that were available at the Expo, where one highlight was watching Billy B the Natural Song & Dance Guy teach children to sing about the flow of water from our drains to the ocean. If you missed it, watch the video and mark your calendar to join us next year on Earth Day, Saturday, April 22, 2023! Read about the Expo in the Mount Vernon Gazette...

Meet Will Friedman who recently won the 2021 Friends of Trees Award for his efforts in native tree planting, preservation of native trees through public testimony and non-native invasive ivy removal, tree maintenance and education. Will has initiated tree plantings at more than 20 schools, helped save a 250+ year old Swamp Chestnut Oak tree and is now a Site Leader, organizing invasive species removals and native plantings at Little Hunting Creek North Shore. He is a rising senior at West Potomac HS and has served on my Environmental Advisory Committee since 2018. Check out the 2021 Friends of Trees Video to learn more about Will and the rest of the winners.

Meet Jim Klein who is the 2022 Mount Vernon District Community Champion! Jim is an asset to the community because he has given so much of his time to making it a safer place for pedestrians and bicyclists. Recently, during the repainting of Fort Hunt Road, he was able to take the frustrations of cyclists and pedestrians and turn it into actionable insights. With his help VDOT was able to significantly improve the safety of our roadway, not only for cars and trucks, but also for pedestrians and bicyclists. Jim is also the Mount Vernon District Representative on the Board's Trails & Sidewalks Committee.

Curious about new Home Construction in Your Neighborhood? The Department of Land Development Services (LDS) has published a new web-based application that allows you see where single-family home construction is occurring in your neighborhood. You can sign up to receive weekly email notifications by district for these site-related plans – called Infill (INF) and Conservation (CON) plans. A map shows the submitted, approved or disapproved plans within the last six months. Learn more...

Construction has begun for the installation of several stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) about the Mount Vernon Government Center Site, and behind the Sherwood Library. The purpose of the construction/design is to provide pollutant removal through BMP retrofits and the construction of new BMPs. The scope of work also includes parking lot improvements (curb & gutter rehab, and repaving of the parking lot), landscaping and soil stabilization. Construction is slated to be substantially completed on November 10, 2022. If there are any questions/comments/concerns, please call (703) 324-5111.

The opioid epidemic continues to impact the Northern Virginia region and the nation. Just this week, two youth fatally overdosed in Prince William County after taking what preliminarily appear to be fentanyl-laced percocets (official causes of death are pending toxicology results).

Fentanyl is extremely fatal, even in the smallest doses. Similar to national and statewide trends, most fatal overdoses in Fairfax County in recent years have involved fentanyl, which is a common substitute or cutting agent in illicit narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly), as well as counterfeit pills. Nationally, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports a dramatic rise in the number of counterfeit pills containing at least two milligrams of fentanyl, which is considered a deadly dose. Counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl can look the same as authentic pills, making it almost impossible to know whether a pill has a deadly dose of fentanyl or not. Learn more...

HIT by HAND  (Housing Association of Nonprofit Developers)

Grounded in racial equity, HAND invites users to leverage the HIT to address racial and economic inequities through the vehicle of housing. This one-of-a-kind platform holds all of us accountable with the latest information on housing production and preservation, and a comparison with established local housing targets. Further, it provides an update on what policies each jurisdiction is pursuing to achieve greater housing opportunity.

Users of the latest tool can expect: an updated design; new interactive features that put a human face to the housing affordability challenge; new indicators on housing production and preservation outcomes; additional policies the HIT is tracking; and data that speaks to a number of key issues including: rental production for units with income or rent restrictions, production of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) units to support our most vulnerable populations, funding needs for maintenance and rehabilitation of public housing units, and local efforts to achieving racial equity through housing. Learn more...

VDOT is hosting public information meetings to provide information about the I-495 Southside Express Lanes study, and to seek public input. Learn more...

Jeff Reiff is the Mount Vernon Police District Captain. Captain Reiff joined the Department in 1998 and was first assigned to a patrol squad at the Mount Vernon District Station. After several years in patrol, he was already being recognized for his commitment and enthusiasm on the job and joined the station’s Neighborhood Patrol Unit and would also become a member of the supplemental SWAT team. He then moved up through the Street Crimes Unit as a detective, becoming a supervisor of the full-time SWAT team and supervised the Special Response Unit within the Special Operations Division. Since being promoted to the command ranks in 2018, Captain Reiff has served as the assistant commander of the Criminal Justice Academy, the Police Liaison Commander, the assistant commander of the McLean District Station, and, most recently, the School Liaison Commander. Captain Reiff’s dedication to duty was highlighted when he received a Meritorious Action Award, two Bronze Medal of Valor Awards, a Distinguished Shooting Award, and three Team Excellence Awards. Captain Reiff returned to the Mount Vernon Station as Captain in August 2021. He truly enjoys being part of the Route 1 team and serving our community!

The aging courts at George Washington Park are being improved. The staff-recommended improvements consist of a new configuration of six dedicated pickleball courts and two dual-use courts with both tennis and pickleball lines. All the courts will receive new surfacing, nets and fencing. These court improvements are timely as the courts at the park require resurfacing and repair. Public comment on the proposal can be forwarded now through May 27, 2022 to 65533@PublicInput.com. Learn more...

The average household has two or three containers to set out weekly for the trash and recycling collection crews. Some of our waste and recyclables are collected by an automated truck, and some is collected by people who tip your cart or throw your bags into the truck. As you prepare for weekly collection, here are some points to consider.

Take a minute to look at what you have set out for your trash and recycling collection crews this week. If you have questions about your service, contact your provider. We all have a part to play in keeping our neighborhoods clean!

I was honored to participate last week in the National Academy of Public Administration's Standing Panel with Martin O'Malley, former Governor of Maryland and Ana Unruh Cohen, Democratic Staff Director of the U.S. House of Representative. We had a lively discussion about the importance of climate action at all levels of government and what each of us are doing to drive that change. Watch the video to learn more!

With the constant development that Northern Virginia experiences, it seems like there are new building projects everyday. We’ve rounded up some of the biggest projects that could make a big splash in NoVA this year. Included on this list is the Lorton Community Center and Library. With a combined funding of over $27 million, the new Lorton Community Center and Library are set to be completed by this summer. The project includes a renovation and addition of 6,000 square feet to the already 10,000 square foot library, as well as a completely new 30,000-square-foot single-story community center. The project will also include new playground and fitness areas, walking trails, and outdoor recreation. Read more in Northern Virginia Magazine...

Construction is starting on an outdoor space at Mount Vernon Plaza this month. The project entails converting the outdoor dining space adjacent to Moe’s Southwest Grill and Limon Pollo a la Brasa into a parklet. The new gathering space will feature a trellis, green space, porch swing benches and soma stones along with new café seating, lighting and landscaping. Construction will begin in May and will be completed later this summer. Read more in Citybiz...

Fairfax County hopes to turn a site for waste into a recreational treasure, reviving plans to redevelop a landfill by I-95 that closed in 2018. The Lorton Landfill could be transformed into a public park under a new proposal from property owner Waste Management. Dubbed Overlook Ridge Park, the amenities at 10001 Furnace Road could be completed in 2025, according to Fairfax County. Read more in FFXNow... Thank you to Evan Kaufman and the Southeastern Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) for leading this effort. I am pleased we were able to work together to bring this proposal to Federal Realty.

The Mount Vernon Governmental Center will be open for early voting beginning June 11. Voting hours at these locations will be weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m., and Saturdays June 11 and June 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more...

Are you a veteran or military spouse looking to advance or change your career? Northern Virginia businesses want to hire you! Interview with 50 leading companies in Northern Virginia collectively hiring for 10,000 positions across multiple sectors during the in-person and virtual Veteran & Military Spouse Career Fair on May 11 & 12. Learn more...

According to the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute 2022 County Health Rankings report, Fairfax County is ranked the fourth healthiest county out of 133 in the commonwealth. Falls Church City ranks as the healthiest locality, while Fairfax City ranks as 13th in healthiest outcomes. Complete health rankings are available online. Learn more...

Gum Springs Community Day/Juneteenth will be held on Saturday, June 18 in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Park (8115 Fordson Road, Gum Springs) from 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. If you would like to showcase your organization, business, company or service, consider sharing your information about your product, commodity or service with Gum Springs and the surrounding communities during this family fun-filled day. Learn more...

MVAH is a nonprofit organization that serves adults ages 55+, looking for new members and volunteers! Become an integral part of the community by providing a helping hand to Mount Vernon’s finest. Learn more...

The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is excited to announce its Girls Fire and Rescue Academy summer camp, which will take place June 21 - 24. The Academy is open to rising 7th through 12th grade female students for the upcoming 2022 - 2023 school year. Participants must be a Fairfax County resident. The program is completely free of charge. The Academy will be limited to 24 applicants, so apply today! All applications must be received by close of business on Friday, May 20. Learn more...

Don Beyer’s Sixth Annual Women’s Conference and Forum titled ‘Making A Difference’ will be held Saturday, May 7 from 8:30 – 11 a.m. at George Mason University’s Arlington Campus. This year, the Conference will feature a panel discussion on the many ways women have stepped up in their communities to make a difference. The event is free to attend but capacity is limited so participants are encouraged to RSVP online. Learn more...

After serving as Executive Director of the Lorton Community Action Center for more than 10 years, Linda Patterson recently resigned. During her many years of dedicated service, she helped to expand LCAC to better serve its clients and enhance the well-being of our entire community. I am very appreciative of all her work on behalf of Lorton residents and in ensuring LCAC’s future success. She will be missed, and we wish her well in her new endeavors.

Department of Code Compliance (DCC) accepts complaints and concerns about potential violations on the DCC website or by telephone during regular business hours, at 703-324-1300. For more information...

MV District Office: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Please read my partner on the corridor School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders' latest newsletter for an update on Fairfax County Public Schools. This month's newsletter provides information on upcoming opportunities to meet our incoming superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid. Please consider taking advantage of these opportunities and join me in welcoming our new Superintendent!

Also, just announced, I am excited to share that next year’s School Board student representative will be rising senior, Michele Togbe from South County High School! Michele is an outstanding student leader and she serves as a member of the South County HS Equity Team, is a Fairfax County Student Equity Ambassador Leader (SEAL), serves as Vice President on the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee, is the founder of the South County Equity Coalition, is an officer in South County’s DECA program, is the Vice President of the Stallion Ambassadors and a 2023 Class Officer. Congratulations, Michelle!

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.

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.

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 December 2021 on County 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.