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May is a time to recognize and celebrate our moms and grads! Moms and mother figures shape and form our lives from our earliest days through their compassion, nurturing and persistence. Join me this Mother’s Day as we thank and appreciate the moms in our lives. As a husband, father, grandfather and former School Board Member, I am very proud of all our graduates as they complete this chapter of their lives and as they begin their journey to reach their full potential. I encourage our graduates to take a moment to thank their families, neighbors, teachers and school administrators who helped them along their path to success!
TEAM MVD is in the community and inviting you to several events and happenings this month. Early in-person voting for the June 18 Democratic and Republican Primaries starts TODAY at our Mount Vernon Governmental Center on weekdays only, from 1 – 7 p.m. Check back in June for additional sites, Saturday hours and election day locations. While you are here, stop by to see YOUR Mount Vernon District office and meet TEAM MVD! Learn more.
And, while you’re at the Governmental Center, take a stroll through our native gardens to learn how we attract wildlife, birds and insects. Want to know more? Join us rain or shine for the Native Garden Tour & Open House tomorrow, Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. where we will be giving away FREE native plants to the first 100 visitors! Tour the gardens and connect with native plant organizations, learn about native plant gardening and maintenance approaches. We also have a new section on our website devoted to native landscaping, the plants in our gardens and coming soon – new informational signs in the gardens to tell you more.
We are excited to host our 6th Annual Senior Safety Summit on Wednesday, May 15 from 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Lorton Community Center. Join us, Neighborhood and Community Services, Department of Family Services, Fire and Rescue, Driver Safety by KEG Consulting and AARP for a fun, engaging and informative event filled with County resources for YOU! Free lunch will be provided by Retirement Unlimited, Inc., in coordination with Paul Spring Retirement Community. You won’t want to miss raffle prizes, the popular exhibit hall and special presentations.
Respectfully yours in public service,
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In this Newsletter:
Celebrating Our Community
Upcoming Events
Land Use
Transportation
Health, Housing & Human Services
Public Safety
Parks & Environment
In the News
Community Information
Community Links
Pet Adoption Corner
Important Safety Information
Team MVD
Boards, Authorities & Commissions
| I was pleased to present a proclamation of recognition to Neighborhood Health for 25 years of service providing care for everyone in our community. Thank you Dr. Khan for your terrific leadership! | |
Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
| | Celebrating Our Community | | |
6th Annual Environment Expo
The rain didn't stop us from having a great time on Saturday for the 6th Annual Environment Expo! More than 600 residents came out for some fun, to learn about the environmental challenges we face on a daily basis and how we can all act to save our planet. I was pleased to honor Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) retiree Charles Smith with a proclamation of recognition for his incredible work in our community especially on the Fairchild/Quander and Hollin Hills Stream Restorations. Thank you to our partner the National Park Service, George Washington Memorial Parkway who have helped make this event even better each year. Lastly, thank you to Camela Speer and Cassidy Donaghy from Team MVD for their hard work to make this event a success.
| | Team MVD Out in the Community | | MV Farmers Market Opening Day | | Hollin Hills Pickleball and Tennis Court Dedication for Milly Stanges | | Spring Fling at South County High School | | |
Upcoming In-Person & Virtual Events
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Does My Project Require a Permit?
To assure that the County harbors safe and sustainable communities, it grants permission in the form of a “permit” that allows a given use on a property and its associated construction. Land Development Services (LDS) issues several types of permits for construction including building permits, trade permits (electrical, mechanical and plumbing) and stormwater and/or land disturbance permits. The type of permit you require depends on the scope of work. Additional permits or approvals may be required by other agencies, even when an LDS permit is not. Learn more below in the residential and commercial project flyers.
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Learn About and Provide Public Input on Potential Changes for Data Center Regulations
The County is proposing updates to regulations on data centers, introducing new guidelines on noise, building design and setbacks. A series of virtual community meetings will be held to discuss the proposed updates that could impact how proposed data centers are reviewed. Each of the virtual meetings will include the same content. The different dates and times offered provide flexibility for attendees. No registration is required. Learn more.
Save the date to join one of the following data center meetings:
- Monday, May 6, 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, May 8, Noon
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Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Amendments to the County Code Related to Right of Way Afforded to Pedestrians
Tuesday, May 7, 4 p.m.
Board Auditorium, 12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax
The Board of Supervisors will conduct a public hearing to deliberate on proposed amendments to Article 9 of Chapter 82 of the County Code to modify language related to the right-of-way afforded to pedestrians. Learn more.
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Metro Board Approves $4.8B Budget that Maintains Service and Avoids Drastic Cuts
Last year, Metro faced catastrophic cuts to service as we faced an unprecedented $750 million budget gap because of record inflation, more people working from home and exhausting the last of the federal COVID relief funds for transit. Metro averted those cuts thanks to investments from our regional partners and sacrifices from many different parties:
- All three jurisdictions, D.C., Maryland and Virginia together are providing hundreds of millions of dollars of additional funding to help meet the fiscal year 2025 budget gap.
- Metro found $50 million in cost efficiencies.
- Customers will see a 12.5% fare increase, which keeps fares in line with inflation.
Bus fares and base rail fares will increase from $2 to $2.25. The maximum rail fare will increase from $6 to $6.75. Late-night and weekend fares will rise from a flat $2 to a variable charge between $2.25 and $2.50 based on distance. MetroAccess fares will be capped at $4.50, up from $4. Pass products will also increase. Metro is equipping bicycle lockers with an hourly rental feature, with a rate of 5 cents an hour, up to $1.00 per day. Parking fees will not change. Learn more.
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Health, Housing & Human Services | | |
Healthy Together Fairfax
Sunday, May 19, 12-3 p.m.
Franconia Park, 6601 Telegraph Rd. Alexandria
Healthy Together Fairfax is a fun, free, interactive community event focused on healthy and active living. The event includes free health screenings, access to community services and resources, fitness classes, hands-on activities and ‘bite-sized’ learning for all ages. Participants can also explore the trails and playgrounds at Franconia Park and enjoy a ride on the carousel. Learn more.
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Support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People and Their Families and Friends
The Northern Virginia Resource Center for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Persons (NVRC) provides a variety of services to support deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families. Services include: training and education; technical assistance; hearing screenings; information about legal requirements, including accessibility and sign language interpreting; a wide variety of social programs and workshops. NVRC is a warm and welcoming community of caring people who understand the communication difficulties and challenges that individuals and families face. In addition, NVRC has a tech demo room for visitors to view and try out various assistive technological options. Learn more.
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Pathways to Wellness Conference
Friday, May 17, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Richard J. Ernst Community Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
Spark hope and ignite resilience at the Pathways to Wellness Conference, an annual conference celebrating mental health recovery. Join the Recovery Program Solutions of Virginia (RPSVA) for workshops, exhibitors, resources and more. Learn more.
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Support the Public Safety Cadets for the Summer Showdown
If you have attended any of our Mount Vernon District events you have likely interacted with our Public Safety Cadets. The Public Safety Cadets are a national non-profit organization managed by active and retired law enforcement officers and business leaders dedicated to preparing young adults, ages 14-20, for careers and leadership in the public safety profession. The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) was the first in the nation to have a unit. As of today FCPD has three units in the County, each operating out of different locations. Unit 2252 meets at West Potomac High School, Unit 505 meets at Annandale High School and Unit 1742 meets at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy.
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Every other year FCPD Public Safety Cadets participate in a Summer Showdown, National Competitive Training Conference. Last year, FCPD took 20 cadets to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for the competition and they won trophies for Arrest and Search, Active Shooter Response and Men's and Women's Physical Fitness practicals. Next summer, the Cadets will compete in Ontario, California. In order for Unit 2252 to attend and compete, they need support to help them raise $10,000 by their deadline of May 14. Consider donating to help our local students reach their goal to go and excel for Fairfax County. Donate here.
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Humans and Trees Share a Common Enemy: Stress!
We all know that chronic stress affects our health and well-being which can lead to a variety of health effects. Ongoing stress also affects the health of trees. But unlike us, they have limited options for reducing their stress. They can use internally produced chemicals and scents to deter predators and warn other trees of threats, as well as help stressed neighbors by sharing water and nutrients through an underground fungal network. However, they can’t pick up and move to avoid stressful conditions. We need to help alleviate tree stressors to the extent we can, particularly those caused by human activity. The good news is that caring for trees and spending time in nature can reduce our own stress. A win-win. Read more about how you can de-stress your trees.
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Environmental Excellence Awards
Each year, the Fairfax County Environmental Excellence Awards recognize individuals, organizations, businesses and County employees who:
- Advance or support the County's environmental goals and policy statements.
- Dedicate personal time and expertise beyond normal fiscal or civic responsibilities.
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Demonstrate leadership as a role model for others.
Nominate someone now for the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards. Nominees’ achievements should have occurred between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, or over a period of years that include a portion of this time frame. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on June 9. To submit a nomination, complete the online form. Learn more.
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Woodlawn’s New Exhibits Aim to Tell Fuller Story of Site’s History
April 25 marked the opening of two new exhibits at Woodlawn, the historic 126-acre plantation that once was part of George Washington’s Mount Vernon. For the staff at Woodlawn and Pope-Leighey House, the exhibits also marked the debut of a new phase in which the historic site collaborates with all people associated with the property — including indigenous people and descendants of enslaved people — to tell fuller and more inclusive stories. Read more from On the MoVe.
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Want to Try Transit? Fairfax County Program Offers Local Employees Free $50 SmarTrip Card
The SmartBenefits Plu$50 program presents an opportunity for local employers such as businesses, nonprofit organizations and associations, to enhance employee benefits while simultaneously contributing to broader sustainability and transportation initiatives in the region. Developed in conjunction with WMATA, the SmartBenefits Plu$50 program is a free commuter benefits program. Read more from WTOP News.
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First-Ever Waynewoodstock to Rock Mount Vernon in May
Fifty-five years after hundreds of thousands of people descended on Woodstock, New York, for a legendary music festival, a Fort Hunt-area musician is organizing a somewhat smaller rendition for local community members’ enjoyment — Waynewoodstock. The inaugural Waynewoodstock concert will take place May 18 on the field next to the Waynewood Recreation Association pool and will feature a stage with five bands playing a mix of rock, Americana and bluegrass from around noon to 8 p.m.; food and drink from Chalkboard Wings & BBQ; an ice cream vendor; arts and crafts vendors; children’s activities like face painting and a bounce house; fire pits and — to top off the festival — camping. Read more from on the MoVe.
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Early In-Person Voting and What You Need to Know for the June 18 Primaries
Early in-person voting is happening now at our Mount Vernon Governmental Center for the June 18 Democratic and Republican Primaries. In-person voting and ballot drop box times are:
- May 3 – June 15
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Weekdays: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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Saturdays June 8 and 15: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
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Closed May 27 (Memorial Day)
Learn more.
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Workhouse Arts Center's Annual BrewWorks
Saturday, May 18, Noon - 5 p.m.
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton
Pints and palettes will collide next month at the Workhouse Arts Center’s annual BrewWorks beer and arts festival. Attendees can enjoy craft beer tastings and watch artists compete in fast-paced painting and drawing competitions. Roughly a dozen local breweries plan to participate in the festival, including Bunnyman Brewing, set to open at the Workhouse this summer. Learn more.
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Outstanding Service to the Fairfax County Park System
Cox Communications and Cox Conserves national sustainability program, are proud to announce that they will be recognizing the hardworking employees of the Fairfax County Park Authority in the first-ever, “Outstanding Service to the Fairfax County Park System” campaign! Nominate a Park Authority employee who shows their love for our incredible natural resources. Five nominees with the strongest or most memorable submissions will be awarded a $1,000 donation to the nonprofit of their choice from Cox and Cox Conserves. Learn more and nominate.
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Mount Vernon Regional Historical Society Upcoming Presentation
Sunday, May 5, 3 p.m.
Sherwood Regional Library Meeting Room, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria
Author and jogger Hope Nelson will do a presentation on her recent book, "Classic Restaurants of Alexandria" for the Mount Vernon Regional Historical Society. The public is invited to join. Nelson's book covers the Mount Vernon Inn, Cedar Knoll Restaurant and Dishes of India in the Mount Vernon area.
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May is Foster Care Month
Foster Care Month is dedicated to raising awareness of issues related to foster care and to celebrating those, like our foster parents, who are dedicated to serving our children, youth and families. This year, the Children’s Bureau’s theme for Foster Care Month, “Engaging Youth. Building Supports. Strengthening Opportunities,” emphasizes the importance of involving young people early and often throughout their time in foster care to help improve their experience while in care and enhance their long-term outcomes and successful transition to adulthood. Explore the Foster Care and Adoption pages to see how foster care is changing lives, and visit the local Community Engagement Toolkit or sign up for the upcoming Foster Care Coffee Chat virtual interest meeting to get involved. Learn more.
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Below are community links to local groups, organizations, school news and more. Click the links to learn more and sign up for their newsletters.
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Meet Bane
This Bane is a bit different from the one on your Batman comic book pages. In fact, this 84lb boy is a bit of a scaredy cat! He LOVES people and will always accept pets but looks to his people for comfort when a very scary thing like a garbage truck or trash rolls by. His new home can help him gain confidence by showing him that new things can be fun and amazing! Bane lived with another dog in his previous home and got along with them really well, but he can be selective about his canine besties. Bring in your other pups to meet him and make sure they can get along. Bane would also prefer a home without young children and has space for him to run or get out for regular walks.
Bane is currently available at the Lorton Campus. If you would like to meet him 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.
| Important Safety Information | | |
Code Compliance - Grass Height
On April 15, the Department of Code Compliance (DCC) began accepting reports of grass height over 12 inches. DCC will continue taking reports through mid-October. Chapter 119 of the Fairfax County Code requires that grass be no taller than 12 inches on:
- Residential property that is developed (has a house) and is less than a half-acre (21,780 square feet).
- Undeveloped residential property less than one-half acre, if 90% of the lots in the subdivision have houses.
- Commercial and industrial properties of any size that are developed but unoccupied (have a building but no tenants).
Since the 12-inch grass height limit may depend on lot size, you can use the County’s map website for help finding lot size and more. Also, DCC’s grass height website has more information about the regulations, exemptions and what DCC does if property owners do not voluntarily cut their grass (see under How are these Rules Enforced?)
DCC is here to help – if you have questions, want to make a report or if you are the subject of enforcement and need assistance. You can report problems online, learn about what happens during an investigation, reach out via email, phone (703-324-1300 / TTY 711) or visit in person at 12055 Government Center Parkway, Suite 1016, Fairfax, VA 22035. Learn more.
Emergency Preparedness May Newsletter
Fairfax County CERT Newsletter
| | Mount Vernon District Staff (top row left to right): Nick Rinehart, Supervisor Dan Storck, Volunteer Shirley Short, Peyton Smith, (bottom row left to right) Cassidy Donaghy, Christine Morin, Maddie Alvarado, Camela Speer | | |
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!
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April 2024 Activities:
- Phone calls: 941
- Meetings: 304
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. - 7:00 p.m.
Second Saturday Each Month (Except August) - No office hours in May
Lorton Library: 9 - 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 Mateo Dunne
Please read my partner on the corridor School Board Member Mateo Dunne's latest newsletter for an update on Fairfax County Public Schools.
| | Boards, Authorities and Commissions | | |
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. Open Mount Vernon District positions:
Fairfax Area Disability Services Board
In accordance with Va. Code Sec. 51.5-47 to provide input to state and local agencies on service needs and priorities of persons with physical and sensory disabilities, to provide information and resource referral to local governments regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act, and to provide such other assistance and advice to local governments as may be requested.
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
To ensure and oversee the establishment and operation of local mental health, intellectual disabilities, and substance abuse programs.
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.
Civil Service Commission
To represent public interest in improvement of personnel administration; to advise the Board of Supervisors, County Executive and Personnel Director in formulation of Policies. County Code Sections 3-1-7 through 3-1-10.
There are several At-Large positions available as of April 2024 on County BACs.
- A. Heath Onthank Memorial Award Selection Committee
- Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (Lending Institution Representative)
- Airports Advisory Committee
- Athletic Council (Women’s Sports Alternate Representative)
- Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Alternate & Design Professional)
- Board of Equalization of Real Estate
- Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance Exception Review Committee
- Child Care Advisory Council
- Civil Service Commission
- Commission for Women (At-Large Minority Rep.)
- Consumer Protection Commission
- Engineering Standard Review Committee
- Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board
- Health Systems Agency Board
- History Commission
- Human Rights Commission
- Police Civilian Review Panel
- Uniformed Retirement System Board of Trustees
- Wetlands Board
- Young Adults Advisory Committee
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.
| | Para subscribirse para nuestro boletín en español o si conoce a alguien quien quiera subscribirse, o para hablar con un hispanohablante, comuníquese con Madeleine Alvarado a su preferencia, por teléfono al (703) 780-7518 o por correo electrónico: Madeleine.CarcamoReyes@fairfaxcounty.gov. | | |
Adult Protective Services
(703) 324-7450, TTY 703-449-1186
Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resource Line
(703) 324-7948, TTY 711
Child Protective Services (24/7)
(703) 324-7400, TTY 703-222-9452
Domestic & Sexual Violence (24/7)
(703) 360-7273, TTY 711
Emergency & Basic Needs
(703) 222-0880, TTY 711
Emergency Mental Health (24/7)
(703) 573-5679, TTY 711
Fairfax County Emergency Information Line
(703) 817-7771, TTY 711
Fairfax Water Emergency Line
(703) 698-5613
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Fire Code-Related Questions
(703) 246-4849, TTY 711
Fraud Hotline
(703) 787-3243
Police Non-Emergency Line
(703) 691-2131
Roads: VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation)
1 (800) FOR-ROAD or 1 (800) 367-7623, TTY 711
Suicide Prevention (24/7)
Call: (703) 527-4077
Text: "CONNECT" to 85511
Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board 24/7 Lines
Emergency Services: (703) 573-5679
Fairfax Detoxification Center: (703) 502-7000
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