|
Community Champion - Milly Stanges
In honor of July as Parks and Recreation Month, we celebrate the incredible contributions of community advocates who have worked tirelessly to enhance our local parks and recreational facilities. One such dedicated individual is Milly Stanges, from our Hollin Hills community, whose unwavering advocacy and passion have positively impacted the Mount Vernon District.
Milly has an intense love for the game of pickleball and has served as a USA Pickleball Ambassador and an Advisor for the Fairfax County Advocates for Pickleball. In 2020, Milly helped to create the Hollin Hills Pickleball and Tennis Club and begin working to renovate the courts. In 2023, the club finished the conversion of two tennis courts to six dedicated pickleball courts. In April of this year, the club dedicated the courts in her name for her incredible leadership and dedication to the sport. Thanks to her determination and energy, Mount Vernon has become the Pickleball Capital of Fairfax County! Milly's efforts have provided residents with a wonderful way to stay active and connected, enhancing both physical and mental well-being.
| |
Milly (pink) teaching a pickleball class to Team MVD in 2021. | |
Beyond pickleball, Milly's volunteer spirit shines in her commitment to social, civic and business causes. She has a passion for engaging with people, promoting community involvement and advocating for women's professional development. After a long career as a public affairs manager for many large corporations, Milly served as a volunteer consultant for the Public Leadership Education Network to help educate and engage young, aspiring women to explore careers in public policy and connect with public policy leaders. Milly's dedication to community and personal growth has made a lasting impact on many lives. Thank you, Milly, for "rallying" our community through pickleball and being a leader and inspiration to us. | |
Our new "Healthy 4 You" section will provide you with tips and important health information each month to enhance your well-being and keep you informed. | |
-
HOT temperatures can quickly become dangerous, and heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards – don’t underestimate it and check out these resources the County has to keep you cool on hot days. Learn more.
-
COVID-19 activity is increasing across the U.S. and Virginia, including in the Fairfax Health District. Emergency department visits for individuals who are diagnosed with COVID-19 have increased to 3.3% of all emergency department visits. Protect yourself and others by taking additional prevention measures. Learn more.
| |  |
-
Staying up to date on immunizations can prevent you and your family from getting sick. Before the new school year or your summer travel plans, schedule an appointment with the Health Department to get vaccinated.
- While you are having fun in the sun this summer, use a layered approach for sun protection such as wearing sunscreen combined with shade or clothes and be sure to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 15 to protect exposed skin. Learn more.
| |
|
Pollo Campero
Up next in our Small Business Showcase is Pollo Campero, located at 7705 Fordson Road. Pollo Campero is known for its Latin-inspired flavors. In February, they attended our Taste of Mount Vernon and offered up samples of their popular Campero Fried and Citrus Grilled Chicken. Their menu also includes a variety of sides, salads and desserts. Stop by Pollo Campero anytime Monday - Sunday 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. and enjoy their signature dishes that bring a taste of Latin America to our community.
If you have a small business you would like to see featured, please email mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov and tell us about it.
| |
Community Information & Events | |
|
9th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon
Early Bird Special!
Join us for the 9th Annual Tour de Mount Vernon Community Bike Ride on Saturday, October 19 starting and ending at the Workhouse Arts Center. Register early for the TdMV Ride by August 31 and receive an Early Bird Special discounted rate and be guaranteed a pair of Tour de Mount Vernon socks! The TdMV Ride will kick off at 8:30 a.m. or bring your kids and register for the Youth & Family Ride kicking off at 9 a.m. The Tour de Mount Vernon takes riders on a fun ride through the many Potomac Banks historic, ecological and cultural sites in the southern and central parts of the Mount Vernon District with route options of 40-miles, 20-miles or a youth 3-mile route. The routes consist of paved roads and trails and have some challenging sections. Ride monitors and Fairfax County Police will help with directions and keep everyone safe. The TdMV ride ends with music, famous sweet potato chili, beverages and fun. The Youth & Family Ride will include a bike rodeo with bike safety vendors, a bike parade and hands-on activities. Learn more and register today!
| |
Have you Registered to Vote?
The upcoming election is November 5 and the voter registration deadline (online and postmarked by mail) is October 15. Learn more.
How to register:
| |
|
Virginia Sun Bucks
Virginia, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, has implemented Virginia SUN Bucks this summer to provide eligible families with extra funds for groceries, including fresh produce, whole grains, dairy and meat. Each qualifying school-age child will receive a one-time payment of $120 on their SNAP EBT card or a pre-loaded SUN Bucks card. Learn more.
| |
|
Summer Meals for Kids
Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) is serving free meals to kids all summer long! On weekdays the Lorton Community Action Center hosts the CAFB bus, parked outside of the Lorton Community Center from 1 – 2 p.m. serving lunch to kids aged 5 to 18. This is part of CAFB’s effort to end summer hunger for children who may rely on school to receive nutritious food. Learn more.
Additionally, Fairfax County Public Schools are participating in the Summer Food Service Program to ensure children have access to healthy meals during the summer months. All children and teens 18 and under can receive meals free of charge. Sites in the Mount Vernon District that are still providing meals include:
- Lorton Station Elementary
- Woodlawn Elementary
- Sandburg Middle
Learn more.
| |
Participate in Community Forums to Provide Input on Services for Residents with Disabilities
The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging and the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board are seeking community input to identify systemic gaps in service and/or barriers Fairfax County residents with disabilities face. Two virtual community forums will focus on various topics such as Services for Older Adults and Family Caregivers, Housing and Neighborhood Supports, Access to Mobility Options, Personal Well-being and Economic Stability and Planning. Registration is required to receive the meeting link. Learn more.
Community Forum for Family Caregivers (Virtual via Zoom)
Wednesday, July 31
7–8:30 p.m.
Community Forum for Adults with Disabilities Age 50 and Older (Virtual via Zoom)
Friday, August 2
11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
| |
|
Talent Up Job Fair
Wednesday, July 31, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
NOVA Community College Annandale Campus, 8430 Center Dr., Annandale
Are you looking for a new opportunity in Fairfax County? Stop by the Talent Up Job Fair! Local companies are seeking qualified candidates for temporary-to-permanent positions and paid internships across various industries. This event is valuable for job-seeking adults, career changers, recent graduates and those new to the area. The event is also open to companies looking for talented staff. Register today to unlock your full potential! Learn more.
| |
|
Leadership Fairfax Accepting Applications
Leadership Fairfax is now accepting applications for their premier professional leadership development programs. Applications are due Wednesday, July 31 and programs begin in the fall of 2024. The programs build participant knowledge of community issues, legislative processes, leadership skills, presentation skills and strategic interactions to accomplish positive change. Learn more and click the links below to learn about the development programs.
| |
|
Vote for the Hybla Valley Community Center Mural Design
Vote now on the mural design for the exterior wall on the east side of Hybla Valley Community Center. The designs were submitted as the result of an April 2024 call for artists. The selected artist will paint the mural in August. Voting is available through July 26 (by 5 p.m.). Voting is available online or in person at Hybla Valley Community Center, 7950 Audubon Ave., Alexandria. Learn more.
| |
|
Join The Fun! National Night Out - August 6
National Night Out is an annual event dedicated to strengthening police and community partnerships and promoting safer neighborhoods. National Night Out is on Tuesday, August 6 and is a chance for neighbors and law enforcement to come together and build lasting relationships through various community events like block parties, festivals, parades and cookouts. Fairfax County Police Department officers will visit these events to connect with our community and continue to foster positive relationships. Register your event.
| |
|
The Mount Vernon District Has Got Your Back (to School)
The new school year brings excitement and new beginnings, but it can also be a challenging time for many families, making sure they have school registration complete, health assessments in order and school supplies purchased. Join me, School Board Member Mateo Dunne, Neighborhood and Community Services and the Lorton Community Action Center at our Back-to-School Community Day on Saturday, August 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Lorton Community Center, 9520 Richmond Hwy., for a family-friendly day of fun and to get your back-to-school checklist complete. Read more from my article in the Mount Vernon Gazette.
| |
|
Fairfax County Residents Hope to Save Historic Gum Springs Community
Watch the WUSA9 interview where Gum Springs community members and I discuss the history of Gum Springs and the Heritage Resources Study.
| |
|
FCPD Goes to the Paris Olympics
Twelve FCPD officers have been chosen to assist the French National Police to ensure public safety during 2024 Summer Olympics. Their deployment underscores our department's capabilities, professionalism and strong partnership with law enforcement agencies both domestically and abroad. We are proud of our officers representing Fairfax County and our Country for this event. This prestigious opportunity reaffirms FCPD’s role as one of the most prominent police departments in the nation. Watch the interview with Chief Kevin Davis on NBC4.
| |
|
Penn Daw Fire Station, Emergency and Supportive Housing Update
Over the last year, the County has been engaged in planning and design for the Penn Daw redevelopment. As part of the planning, Housing and Community Development has performed a fiscal analysis and other due diligence of the affordable housing component. At the completion of these tasks, it was concluded that the affordable housing portion needed to be adjusted. We also heard from the community about the strong need for more supportive housing for families. Instead of the previously proposed 60 units of affordable housing and 20 units of permanent supportive housing, it was determined that 30 units of permanent supportive housing exclusively would deliver greater community benefit and be more fiscally feasible.
The Penn Daw redevelopment will now consist of a new fire station, a modern emergency shelter and support services for individuals experiencing homelessness and approximately 30 units of service-enriched, supportive housing units for individuals and families. Neither the emergency shelter component nor the supportive housing units will serve sex offenders; both components will have 24-hour staff.
The project design team is working on a revised design program for incorporation of additional family supportive housing units and associated support spaces, in coordination with Office to Prevent and End Homelessness. Updates and a revised schedule will be posted to the project webpage.
| |
|
Accotink Pump Station Rehabilitation Project
The Accotink Pump Station Rehabilitation Project is a complete renovation of the largest pump station in Fairfax County’s sewerage system. This station serves an area of over 63 square miles in the Mount Vernon and Franconia Districts including Fort Belvoir. The project location is 9201 Richmond Highway and will include expanding the stations capacity to meet future growth in the service area, construction of a new larger capacity force main, replacement and modernization of existing equipment and control systems and various site improvements. The project will be the first in Fairfax County to make use of a Project Labor Agreement to partner with union workforces in the area. This project has been awarded to Northeast Remsco Construction, Inc. in the amount of $71.7M and will take approximately 4 years to complete.
| |
|
Grist Mill Park Turf Field Restoration
The Fairfax County Park Authority is aerating and resodding the goal and bare areas of turf field #4 at Grist Mill Park. Temporary fencing has been put up to close the area for restoration. Weather pending, the field is expected to reopen in early August. Field #4 is closed to the public for the duration of the restoration work. However, Grist Mill Park has an additional natural turf field and a synthetic turf field that will be open during this time. Additional fields in the surrounding area can be located using FCPA’s Park Amenity Locator. Learn more.
| | | | |
