Neighbors,
As you have seen from my frequent updates,
TEAM MVD is hard at work continuing my commitment to
support our community and keep you informed. Last week we brought together our
non-profits and faith-based community support groups to identify, “What do you need and how can we help?” The result, our
webpage “Get Help, Give Help” provides
local resources for those in need of assistance and those looking for
ways to help.
(left: photo taken prior to social distancing)
This week we are reaching out to our
local and small businesses to ensure they are connected to
financial assistance and counselors who can help them navigate that help. We have sent
six COVID-19 updates, shared much on social media and Nextdoor.
P.S. If you are not part of your
Nextdoor community
, now is a great time to join –
lots of good neighborhood information
is shared on this platform.
Our next outreach efforts include a
Mount Vernon District Virtual Town Meeting on Saturday, April 4 at 10 a.m., with updates from me, FCPS schools and the Fairfax Health Department. It will be
broadcast live on a variety of outlets
(see below). In coming weeks we anticipate
hosting a similar Town Meeting for our local and small businesses, to hear their concerns, learn of their needs and answer their questions.
Watch for more to come!
While our
lives have been temporarily turned upside down, I hope you are finding the
silver linings in this new change of pace by reconnecting with loved ones, taking walks in the woods, family bike rides and game nights.
It is also critical that we continue practicing social distancing, wash hands frequently and self-quarantine if you believe you are ill, and of course,
seek medical assistance if needed.
Another exciting new development is the
newest addition to TEAM MVD - Nicholas Rinehart! Nick joins Team MVD from the Fairfax County
Department of Family Services, where he spent the last 2 years as a
Human Services Worker in the Self-Sufficiency division. With a Master's Degree in Sustainable Development, Nick has
international work experience on land use in Colombia and is also
bilingual in Spanish. During grad school he interned with a
community organization that worked with civil society actors to
facilitate the implementation of peace accords and collaborate with local officials to advance their interests. He conducted research on the effectiveness of
collaborative approaches to solving issues of inequity and helped advocate for reparations,
more equitable land use and allocation for low income peasant communities affected by conflict.
Read more about Nick...
Again,
our office is here for you. Let us know how we can help!
Happy Spring!
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Respectfully yours in public service,
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Dan Storck
Supervisor, Mount Vernon District
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
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Meet Nick, TEAM MVD's
New Land Use Aide
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Mount Vernon District Virtual Town Meeting
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THIS SATURDAY, join
me
, School Board Member and Chair
Karen Corbett Sanders
, School Superintendent
Scott Brabrand
and County Health Director
Dr. Gloria Addo-Ayensu
on
April 4 at 10 a.m. for a virtual Town Meeting on Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The meeting will include the
latest updates
from the Mount Vernon District, FCPS and the Health Department, and
viewers will have the opportunity to get their questions answered
. The program will
air live
on
Facebook
,
Channel 16
, Cox Channel 16, Verizon/Comcast Channel 16 and
FCPS Channel 21
.
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Fairfax County strongly urges residents to follow the stay-at-home order issued by Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam.
This order is critical to help
slow the spread of the coronavirus as cases continue to climb across the state with
288 confirmed cases in the Fairfax County Health District.
Social distancing is the most effective method to limit the disease’s transmission.
The governor’s action, which currently
remains in effect until June 10, means that
residents should stay at home with only a few
exceptions for essential activities, including:
- Getting groceries or medicines.
- Caring for a sick family member or friend.
- Getting medical care for yourself .
- Going outside for exercise for yourself or pets (although not in groups larger than 10 people).
- Getting essential social or government services.
- Traveling to and from work or place of worship.
- Traveling required by court order or to facilitate child custody, visitation, or child care.
All public and private
in-person gatherings of more than ten individuals are prohibited with the exceptions of:
- Businesses not required to close in EO 53.
- Gatherings of family in the same residence.
- When not at home, you must maintain at least six feet of space between any other person.
Fairfax County will remain open to business from a distance, but will reevaluate other closures to be sure they are in line with the Governor's order.
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Latest Key COVID-19 Updates
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Need Multilingual Help?
Coordinated Services Planning
(part of Health and Human Services) connects community members in a
multilingual call center
to community nonprofits.
- Residents who call are often fixed/low income, have lost wages or employment, or their expenses exceed income.
- They are seeking varying assistance, including but not limited to, food, health, hygiene, and youth programming.
- Need help? Call 703-222-0880, TTY 711
How You Can Help
- Is looking for donations of: surgical or N95 masks (any size), face shields/goggles, gowns, disposable gloves, hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes.
- Financial contributions can be made here.
- In-kind donations can be arranged by contacting Lisa Knapp at (703) 840-4688, lknapp@hwnova.org
Volunteers are needed to
help older adults and adults with disabilities with grocery shopping, medical appointments, and other urgent needs.
Learn more...
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At Tuesday's
Budget Committee meeting the Board received an update on the
budget guidance being used to revised the County Executive's Proposed FY 2021 Budget. The bottom line is that due to the
vast and unknown effects COVID-19 is and will have on our economy, the
revised Proposed FY 2021 Budget that will be presented on April 7 will look
drastically different than the original proposed Budget. Below are some
highlights of that presentation.
FY2021 Budget
- The pandemic is likely to have a significant impact on the County’s revenue streams in FY 2020 and FY 2021 because of impacts on revenue sources like sales tax and personal property taxes.
- County agencies have been directed to limit expenses to those of a critical nature.
- Staff will provide an updated budget recommendation on April 7 and the County will be providing ways in which residents can give feedback.
FY2020 Budget Third Quarter Review
- This review is done yearly to make adjustments to the remaining portion of the fiscal year.
- This year, the package includes only critical funding items with a balance of $11.3 million recommended to be set aside in a reserve for the coronavirus pandemic.
- This reserve will be utilized to fund necessary spending requirements resulting from the pandemic, as well as to offset potential revenue losses.
Proposed Microloan Program
- Fairfax County is working on a loan program to help small businesses within Fairfax cover gaps in support.
- The purpose will be to aid businesses immediately get by, pivot focus, and prepare to restart operations following the crisis.
- Information on how to apply coming soon.
You can see the
agenda and meeting materials
here and
watch the meeting
here.
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Today is Census Day! Have You Completed the Census?
Looking for things to do as we practice social distancing and adapt to the new stay-at-home order? Take this time to
complete the 2020 Census! Everyone Counts!
Learn more...
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Suspension of Glass Recycling and Yard Waste Collection Explained
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Several changes to Fairfax County’s
solid waste collection requirements were made Friday, March 27. (news release). The changes, which went into effect Monday, March 30, are
temporary and in response to the current public health emergency. There are several
reasons why the changes were made, including:
- Protecting the workforce to ensure that personnel remain available to collect trash and protect public health.
- Minimize workers’ physical contact with surfaces where the coronavirus can survive for several days.
- Follow social distancing guidance by reducing crew sizes and using automated collection vehicles.
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Fire-damaged Hotel Reopens after Long Closure
The
Fairfield Inn & Suites in the Groveton area
reopened recently after being closed for nearly 18 months following a fire. The September 7, 2018 fire started after the hotel was
struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. The strike caused a two-alarm fire, but sprinklers helped keep the blaze from spreading beyond the attic and an area above
two unoccupied rooms, the fire department said at the time.
Read more on Covering the Corridor...
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Skrimp Shack Coming to Mount Vernon Plaza
Skrimp Shack, a fast casual restaurant chain
specializing in fish sandwiches and fried shrimp, is coming to the Mount Vernon Plaza Shopping Center. Skrimp Shack will be located near the
back of the shopping center next to China 1, according to the
restaurant’s website and a leasing brochure for Mount Vernon Plaza.
Read more on Covering the Corridor...
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VDOT Crew Protects Historic Barrel Bridge in Lorton
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) workers
constructed bollards to protect the historic Barrel Bridge in Lorton. The cement bollards, which will be capped, and painted yellow for visibility, are positioned to
block vehicular traffic from passing over the bridge.
Read more in the Connection Newspapers...
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Fairfax County Launches New C-Pace Program
The new
County Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy and Resiliency program, also known as
C-Pace, helps building owners and companies pursue
energy saving and water saving strategies. This program will also allow property owners to make improvements to older buildings, and
add new energy saving technologies through
secure private funding. It allows these property owners commercial, industrial and not for profit owners to undertake
energy efficiency, renewable energy, water conservation and resiliency improvements.
Read or watch more on Local DMV...
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Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) continues to adapt and evolve
as COVID-19 continues to impact all our lives. For the latest information on
distance learning, grades and graduation requirements, food resources and daily updates
,
visit the FCPS COVID-19 webpage
.
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2020 Teen Job Fairs Go Virtual
With the
2020 Teen Job Fairs cancelled, we still want to
provide a way for students to
connect with local businesses for work experiences. A list of available positions from some of our participating businesses has been compiled is now available.
Read more...
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VDOT 2020 Northern Virginia Paving Map
The
map of VDOT Northern Virginia paving schedules is now available to the public. This map shows
all scheduled repaving work, as well as upcoming preventive maintenance work. By clicking on a road that is on the schedule, you can find a
pop-up box that identifies the name and contact information for the VDOT Construction Manager in charge of that road's project.
Contact the manager listed directly to help VDOT more quickly
resolve questions or concerns related to the paving work.
Read more and view the map...
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Residential Traffic Administration (RTAP) Traffic Counts Suspended
Due to the wide-spread impacts of COVID-19,
all Residential Traffic Administration (RTAP) traffic counts will be put
on hold until further notice. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT)
does not conduct traffic data counts during the summer when school is not in session. When
normal traffic patterns resume FCDOT
will re-start traffic data counts. If you have
questions or would like additional information on traffic calming, please contact Supervisor Storck’s Transportation Aide, Sally Kidalov, at
sally.kidalov@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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New Home Schooling Resource
The
County Watershed Education and Outreach team, in partnership with FCPS, has created a
Fairfax County Field Journal. Kids are encouraged to use the journal to
discover their backyard and neighborhood while practicing social distancing. The journal is full of ideas for
exploring nature through art, writing, and science. The activities are a great way to engage young minds until distance learning begins. The
arrival of spring means there are
lots of interesting changes to observe.
Download or print the journal...
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Noman Cole Pollution Control Plant Updates
If you’ve driven along Old Colchester Road in Lorton recently, you’ve probably noticed a lot of
construction activity at the wastewater treatment plant. The Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, which runs the Noman M. Cole, Jr. Pollution Control Plant, is
upgrading the plant’s disinfection system from a chemical process to ultraviolet light, or UV. This capital improvement project will
improve health and safety,
protect freshwater resources, and reduce the plant’s carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions. The new UV system is expected to go online later this year, and it has already earned a
gold level certification from the from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure.
Learn more...
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Scholarship Applications Open for Chamber Business Scholarship
Applications are now available for
business scholarships provided by
Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce. At least
$12,000 will be awarded to local graduating seniors pursuing further education in business. Students may
apply online or by calling 703-360-6925 to request an application. The
application deadline is Friday April 24. Those applying for the scholarships must plan to pursue further education in a
business-related field whether academic or in the trades, live in Lee or Mount Vernon Districts or attend one of the seven high schools in these districts.
Visit the
website
to view all requirements.
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Fairfax County Auxiliary Police Officer Program
Interested in
assisting law enforcement officers? Do you have what it takes to meet the high standards to become an FCPD Auxiliary Police Officer? Learn more about the
duties & rewards of becoming one of these essential volunteer officers. If you are interested in applying to this program or learning more about it, please visit the new
Volunteer Management System (VMS) system link to
apply for the Auxiliary Police Officer program. Email questions to
AuxiliaryPolice@FairfaxCounty.gov.
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Controlling and Managing Invasive Plants
Invasive plants are those that are
not native to Fairfax County or Northern Virginia. They are brought into the area intentionally or unintentionally. These plants are characterized by
unrestrained growth due to a lack of natural enemies such as pests and predators.
Physical methods are often the most straightforward way to control small areas of invasive plants.
Read more...
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WORKSHOPS SUSPENDED & DEADLINE EXTENDED:
Free 2020 Tax Relief Workshops for Older Adults and People with Disabilities
NEW: To mitigate the risk of COVID-19 within our community, the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) is
encouraging residents to support social distancing. Therefore, the
2020 tax relief application due date for seniors and people with disabilities has been
extended from April 1, 2020 to June 1, 2020, and the remaining tax relief
workshops have been postponed until further notice. We encourage all residents to stay home and
submit their annual applications by email, mail, or fax. If you
require assistance in filling out the application or
have any questions, please
call 703-222-8234 (TTY 711).
Read more...
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Fairfax 50+ Podcasts
Looking for something to do with
spare time on your hands?
Listen to a variety of Fairfax 50+ Podcasts, from genealogy to energy conservation.
Read more and listen...
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CECAP Development Process Update
Development of the County
Community-wide Energy and Climate Action Plan (CECAP) is in motion and involves
numerous participants, including individuals serving as part of
district-level Focus Groups and an
overarching Task Force. In light of recent guidance from local, state and federal authorities in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, some
changes have been made to the CECAP process to ensure work can continue while also protecting the health and safety of all participants.
All Focus Group and Task Force meetings are cancelled through at least April 1. Based on the latest guidance, updates will be provided on future meetings. With this change, steps are being taken to
move the process forward virtually, and to try to
maintain the original timeline. To learn more about the process updates, additional schedule changes and
plans to keep CECAP development moving forward, please visit the
OEEC website.
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Environmental Excellence Awards Call for Nominations Is Now Open
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
- Demonstrate leadership as a role model for others
The
2020 call for nominations is now open and nominations will be
accepted until June 1, 2020. If you know of an
individual or organization deserving of recognition for their
accomplishments between June 1, 2019 and May 31, 2020, please consider nominating them.
Learn more...
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Mount Vernon District Staff: Abdul Shaban,
Donna Slaymaker,
Sally Kidalov,
Supervisor Dan Storck,
Christine Morin, Camela Speer, Volunteer Shirley Short & not yet pictured, Nick Rinehart.
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March 2020 Activities:
- Phone calls: 1002
- Meetings: 96
Stay Connected:
Mount Vernon Governmental Center
2511 Parkers Lane
Mount Vernon, VA 22306
703-780-7518 (TTY 711) 703-780-1491 (fax)
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Office Hours
Monday - Wednesday, Friday:
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Second Saturday Each Month (except August)
Lorton Library: 9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
MV District Office: 12:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Walk-ins and by appointment
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Looking for a Summer Internship?
Are you, or do you know a
college student, looking for a summer internship in local
government? Join our
dynamic TEAM MVD
working for the residents of the Mount Vernon District. Get an up-close look at
how local government works, learn about constituent issues and how to resolve them, all while gaining
valuable real-world work experience. If you would like to be considered, please send your
resume and a cover letter outlining your interests to
mtvernon@fairfaxcounty.gov by
April 30.
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Boards, Authorities and Commissions
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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.
There are
several At-Large positions available as of February 2020 on County BACs.
- Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (Engineer/Architect Rep)
- Affordable Dwelling Unit Advisory Board (Lending Institution Rep)
- Alcohol Safety Action Program Local Policy Board (ASAP)
- Athletic Council (Women’s Sports Alternate Rep)
- Board of Building and Fire Prevention Code Appeals (Design Professional)
- Civil Service Commission
- Engineering Standard Review Committee
- History Commission (Historian)
- Human Rights Commissio
- Road Viewer Board
- Tenant Landlord Commission (3 openings - Citizen Member, Condo Owner, Landlord Member & Tenant Member)
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
Donna.Slaymaker@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.
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Mount Vernon District Office | 703-780-7518
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