I am grateful to our community for the outpouring of compassion and desire to help the many Afghan refugees that are passing through or settling in our community. With an established Afghan community and much cultural diversity in Fairfax County, we are an ideal region to welcome these refugees, many fleeing with the clothes on their backs. I have heard from many of you offering support and asking how you can help.

 

Many of you have reached out to our office to express your frustration at not having your waste picked up, especially with all the recent rain. There are serious labor shortages in many industries all over the country. Locally, among other shortages, public and private haulers cannot hire enough drivers. In Fairfax, short-term changes have been permitted for haulers to temporarily pick up yard waste at the same time as regular trash and dispose of it the same way, by incineration at our waste-to-energy plant. We hope to return to regular yard waste recycling by the fall leaf season. You will find more information below.

We are also hearing from many of you about River Farm. The Board did pass the Historic Overlay District (HOD) for Wellington at River Farm in April, with additional recently state authorized restrictions to be considered at Tuesday’s Board of Supervisors meeting. As you know, from the first announcement a year ago, I have led dozens of conversations with AHS Board members, elected officials and community leaders about protecting and preserving River Farm’s beauty and public access from developers. You can read more about recent activity below.

 

If you have not yet been vaccinated, I urge you to do so as soon as possible to protect yourself, your families, your neighbors and our communities. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for persons ages 16 and older. The vaccine continues to be available under emergency use authorization (EUA), for individuals 12 through 15 years of age and for the administration of a third dose in certain immunocompromised individuals.

Mark your calendars and join us for several exciting events this fall!

Finally, tomorrow is an important date as we mark the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on our nation. Commemorations and service opportunities will be held across the County and I hope you will find your own way to honor those who serve and those who lost their lives this day 20 years ago. I invite you to join me virtually for the County's 20th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony at 2 p.m. at the Bailey's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department.

Join me for our annual community bike ride on Saturday October 23, at 8:30 a.m., starting and ending at Woodlawn & Pope-Leighey House. The Tour de Mount Vernon brings cyclists on a fun ride through the northern and central portions of the Mount Vernon District including a scenic route through Fort Belvoir. The route will consist of paved roads, paved trails and will have several challenging sections. Ride monitors and Fairfax County Police will be on hand to help with directions and keep everyone safe. Learn more and register to ride today...

Saturday, September 11, marks the 20th Anniversary of 9/11, one of the worst days in our country's history, and particularly here in our Nation's Capitol. It was a terrible national tragedy felt in our own neighborhoods when County residents lost their lives at the Pentagon. Saturday is also the anniversary of our resilience as a community, and the bravery and service demonstrated by our County first responders and members of the military who responded that day and every day to keep us safe. To honor those who were lost, as well as our first responders and military who were called to serve, there are several events being held throughout the County.

 

Fairfax County is hosting a 20th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony at 2 p.m. The event will be held at Bailey's Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department, 3601 Firehouse Lane in Falls Church, where many first responders deployed from to assist at the Pentagon. The public is encouraged to view the ceremony online. It will be televised on Fairfax County Government Channel 1016 (Cox) and Channel 16 (Verizon/Comcast) and streamed live on our website. The ceremony can also be viewed on the County's Facebook page.  

 

Volunteer Fairfax is coordinating opportunities countywide to provide your skills, time and donations during Saturday's day of service. Examples include in-person and at-home opportunities, such as:

On March 23, the Board of Supervisors approved an amendment to the Interim Agreement and Right of Entry Agreement (Amendment) with Alpine X for the “Fairfax Peak” project, to allow for test drilling as part of diligence work to potentially reach into the landfill subgrade and/or bedrock. Alpine X will be sharing the results of these test drillings with the public in fall 2021.

We will be hosting a number of community engagement sessions in September, including a community information meeting on September 25 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center. Alpine X, DPWES and DEI, the South County Federation, and other partners will be present to answer questions about next steps related to Fairfax Peak.

Lastly, I wanted to remind and reassure you that many actions, much time and a number of contingencies remain before this project can be approved, including public meetings, land use approvals and meeting state regulatory requirements. Visit the project website...

The September Penn Daw Advisory Committee meeting has been rescheduled from Friday, September 10 to Friday, September 17 at 9:30 a.m. For more information on this project, upcoming meetings and FAQs...

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the need for food for those in need in the County. Stuff the Bus is a collaborative program in partnership between Fairfax County Government and local nonprofits. Help feed hungry families by donating to Stuff the Bus on Saturday, September 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Locations in our area:

Opportunity Neighborhood (ON) is the County-wide organizing framework for residents, community-based partners, FCPS, Fairfax County, and other supporters and allies to work together to deliver needed resources that are equitable, accessible and effective for vulnerable youth and their families.

Fairfax County Fire and Rescue has received the American Heart Association’s Mission: Lifeline® EMS Gold Achievement Award for implementing specific quality improvement measures to treat patients who suffer severe heart attacks. Learn more...

This fall marks the launch of a five-year native tree campaign, a collaborative effort to encourage residents and businesses across Northern Virginia to plant more native trees and preserve the ones we have already. Organizations across the region will be putting on “Celebration of Trees” events to highlight the many benefits of native Virginia trees. Native trees:

Native trees specifically are an essential part of our local ecosystem, supporting our butterflies, songbirds and all the other wildlife. It is up to all of us to plant and protect them. You can find Celebration of Trees events and information about how to protect and plant native trees on the Plant NOVA Trees website.

Join me and the Fairfax County Park Authority for the nationwide celebration of National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 25, from 9 until 10:30 a.m. Volunteers will contribute toward national efforts by helping to weed and water pollinator gardens, pick up trash and remove invasive vines within Laurel Hill Park, located at 8780 Lorton Road. A brief ceremony will follow at 10 a.m. at the Barrett House at the same location. Learn more...

The county's integrated Deer Management Program reduces and stabilizes the white-tailed deer populations to minimize safety and health hazards and other impacts related to an overabundance of deer. These impacts include deer-vehicle collisions, potential spread of diseases, and environmental damage attributed to deer that can impact the ecosystem. Learn more...

A commercial developer reportedly has expressed interest in purchasing historic property River Farm from the American Horticultural Society, along with at least two adjacent parcels of land, according to a statement from the Northern Virginia Conservation Trust. Read more in Alexandria Living...

In the article entitled “Building Immunity: How affordable housing funding was protected from the effects of Covid” the Washington Business Journal shared a regional view of what the area’s jurisdictions are doing to keep progress moving towards solving the region’s affordable housing challenges. Read more on Newswire...

The Gum Springs Community Center was filled with activity August 18 as more than 100 families turned for a back-to-school preparation day that included free haircuts, backpacks and school supplies. “We came together to help prepare the kids for school but also add a little fun to their day,” said Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Deputy Chief Willie Bailey, organizer of the event. Read more in the Mount Vernon Gazette...

There’s a gorilla in the room for the Mount Vernon environmentalists, and this gorilla is the Potomac River. This river is a treasure to many in the watersports crowd, but it’s also a carrier of garbage from points north, and that’s where Dean Naujoks, the area’s Potomac Riverkeeper focuses his efforts. Single-use plastics make up just one culprit Naujoks’ has on his radar. Read more in the Mount Vernon Gazette...

Officers and police equipment from Fairfax County Police Department, the Sheriff’s Office, and George Mason University

Police and Public Safety Department were at the West Springfield Police Station on August 14 to engage with the community. The event directed toward kids, “Juice Box with a Cop” mirrors past community outreach events, called “Coffee with A Cop,” geared toward adults. Read more in the Connection...

The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program advises residents and collectors that the requirement for separate collection of yard waste on a weekly basis is temporarily modified for approximately two months. Collectors may collect yard waste with refuse (mixed collections) without enforcement consequences. The temporary change is in response to national labor shortages adversely affecting the region. It is still recommended that residents put their yard waste out in paper bags or reusable containers, separately from their trash, as it is up to the collectors as to whether they will collect separately or not. Currently the County is continuing to pick up yard waste separately for those residents they service. Learn more...

About 12% of County residents will see an increase in their car tax bills because of the pandemic. The average increase is $25 compared to last year for vehicles valued at $20,000 or less, say County tax officials. Learn more...

LCAC is asking faith communities, neighborhoods, businesses and individuals to support the event by hosting food drives to collect our most needed items. Donors are asked to drop off donations on Sunday, September 12 from 1 - 3 p.m. at LCAC (9518 Richmond Highway, Lorton). Questions about food or item donations? E-mail LCAC...

The Fairfax County Park Authority has begun work on the Martin Luther King Jr. Park playground replacement project, which will close the playground during the construction period. Contractors have mobilized on site and active construction activities began on September 7. The project includes replacement of the playground equipment and related site work. Contingent on the weather, the new playground is expected to open at the end of November 2021. Learn more...

Fairfax Water wants to hear from you--take this 5-minute survey today! Your feedback will help improve services for customers. Take the survey...

The Friends of Sherwood Library are offering free tuition to in-person English Language classes for Mount Vernon residents held at the Sherwood Library this fall. The classes are being facilitated by the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia. They require proof of vaccination to participate in the in-person class. At the registration event at Sherwood Library on October 2, perspective students will register, provide proof of vaccination, and be tested for proficiency so they can be placed in an appropriate learning level class.

The Little Hunting Creek Pump Station Rehabilitation Project included rehabilitation of this 21 MGD pump station. Located at 8600 Stockton Parkway, Alexandria, this pump station is the third largest pump station in the County System. Electrical and mechanical systems and equipment were upgraded. A new air-conditioned electrical room was constructed. Three new and two refurbished dry pit submersible pumps and two new odor control tanks were installed. In addition, the existing generator was rehabilitated, a new roof was installed and site upgrades were completed. Learn more and see photos...

As a separate project, work began recently on a gravity-feed sewer line replacement across Little Hunting Creek. This project is expected to be completed in August 2022.

You’ve probably received a scam call or two, but when you hear a voice that sounds like it might be your grandchild in distress, it’s a game changer. If you get a call from someone claiming to be your grandchild or someone who is speaking on their behalf, like an attorney or doctor, and they are demanding money, slow down and don’t make a rushed decision. Scammers will often try to pressure you into making a quick payment in the form of pre-paid gift cards and wire transfers. We know you want to rush to help, but remember:

If you have grandparents in your life, we encourage you to take the time to discuss phone scams and share these basic prevention tips.

Fairfax County’s Senior Centers and Adult Day Health Care programs have reopened! Adult Day Health Care is available at these centers: Lewinsville, Herndon Harbor, Lincolnia and Mount Vernon locations. The service offers daytime care to older adults with physical limitations or memory issues. It has been suspended since March of 2020 due to the pandemic. Learn more...

Join live demonstrations on Dance Fitness, Yoga & Meditation for Stress Reduction, Memory Engagement with Arts & Crafts, and Art Therapy: Healing Through Art. This new series runs through Friday, September 24, 2-3:00 p.m. More information and online registration...

Join AARP Virginia and the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at George Mason University (OLLI Mason) for the Boomers and Beyond Academy! A special three-day virtual event (September 18, 21 & 23) designed to help you make plans for better living. Learn about the positive powers of lifelong learning, tips for determining if you are on track for a secure financial retirement, practical strategies to help you achieve retirement peace of mind, and more. You will get information about important life matters that you are faced with today or may face tomorrow. These tips and tools will help you make your own decisions about how you want to live. Learn more...

Meet Elsa the cat! We are looking for a special someone to help Elsa with her unique needs. Elsa has severe allergies and when she arrived to us she was very uncomfortable. She is receiving medication for her allergies and thanks to the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Elsa got a consult with a specialist, who is helping us get her on the right track! Here's what Elsa's foster mom says about her: I've had her for a while and she is truly a very easy foster. She takes her meds in her food and she actually likes her ZD food.  Read more about Elsa, other available pets and steps to adoption.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for everyone 12 years and older, including those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or would like to get pregnant. The rise in COVID-19 cases, low vaccine uptake among pregnant people, and the increased risk of severe illness during pregnancy make vaccination more urgent than ever. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) have all recently strengthened this COVID-19 vaccination recommendation following additional safety data. Learn more...

We have heard from many of you about your concerns regarding the amount of time fully vaccinated students are being paused from in-person instruction when identified as a potential close contact to a COVID-19 positive case.

FCPS collaborated with the Fairfax County Health Department to adjust this process and speed up the return to the classroom for fully vaccinated, asymptomatic students. We all share the goal of ensuring our students are in the classroom as much as possible, while also keeping our schools safe and healthy for everyone - staff, students, and visitors.

Following the Labor Day break, fully vaccinated, asymptomatic students will be able to return to in-person learning and activities following a simple process that will reduce the time needed to process potential close contacts. Our goal is to streamline this process so it takes the least amount of time possible to complete while keeping our school community safe. Visit FCPS for more information...

The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority has issued the first six Emergency Housing Vouchers made available through the American Rescue Plan Act. The vouchers provide tenant-based rental assistance to individuals and families that are homeless, at risk of becoming homeless; or who are fleeing violent or dangerous circumstances such as domestic or dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. Learn more...

In July, the Board approved a third grant program since the pandemic began: the Active and Thriving Community Grants Program.

National Preparedness Month is an observance each September to raise awareness about the importance of preparing for disasters and emergencies that could happen at any time. The 2021 theme is “Prepare to Protect. Preparing for disasters is protecting everyone you love.” Each week in September, the campaign will focus on a different aspect of preparedness for individuals, families, and communities.

For more information, visit the DCC website or see the Department of Planning and Development’s flyer.

As of mid-August, reports of sick and dead birds have declined in many jurisdictions, and the DWR is lifting its previous recommendation to cease feeding birds in affected areas. If residents choose to feed birds or provide water in bird baths they should follow best practice guidelines provided by the DWR. People should remain vigilant and report through the online DWR Bird Morality Reporting Form if they observe any additional bird mortalities in Virginia.

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

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 grant recognition for accomplishment of outstanding worth in advancing and improving public service in County by merit system employees.

To interest itself in all matters pertaining to the social welfare of the people served by the government; to monitor the formulation and implementation of social welfare programs; to meet with the Director of Social Services at least four times a year for the purpose of making recommendations on policy matters; to make an annual report to the governing body concerning the administration of the public welfare program; and to submit to the governing body other reports that the advisory body deems appropriate.

Advises the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on the needs, concerns and aspirations of limited-income persons; and recommends policies that promote meaningful change.

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

The board shall preserve and prevent the despoliation and destruction of wetlands within its jurisdiction while accommodating necessary economic development in a manner consistent with wetlands preservation. The objectives and procedures of the Fairfax County Wetlands Board (the Board or the Wetlands Board) are those set forth in Title 28.2, Chapter 13 of the Code of Virginia, (Virginia State Wetlands Act) and in Chapter 116 of the Code of Fairfax County (Wetlands Zoning Ordinance).

There are several At-Large positions available as of August 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 Carmen Alfaro-Morawski. 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.