Mt. Vernon, Va. –– Neighborhood improvement was the topic Saturday at the 24th Mt. Vernon Town Hall Meeting.
The doors at Mt. Vernon High School opened at 7:45 a.m. to exhibitors from businesses from around the region, as well as county agencies. Presentations from county leaders were scheduled to take place inside the school’s auditorium until 1 p.m.
Prior to the meeting, 70 residents previously formed committees and drafted guide plans for the future of the district for land use, public safety, parks and recreation and business development.
On top of Supervisor Gerry Hyland’s priorities list: Education.
“We can’t attract all of the businesses to Fairfax County unless we have a top-rate education system. All of the businesses in Tysons Corner with all those IT companies came here because they want their employees to have the top education,” said Hyland.
The challenge for politicians, he said, is finding a funding source for education. Seventy percent of the county’s public schools $2.3 billion 2011 budget comes from county taxpayers, he added.
He also talked revitalization of the U.S. 1 corridor, and how Metro’s Yellow line could play a role in sprucing up the neighborhood.
“Metro has to come down Route 1 because you have Ft. Belvoir between us and Prince William County. For us it would it would be a natural, because if you had rail coming down Route 1 you would have an opportunity for revitalization sooner rather than later,” said Hyland.
His comments follow discussion that in 2009 aimed at bringing Metro’s Blue line to Woodbridge.
If Metro rail were extended to the Potomac Communities it would benefit many federal and military workers at Ft. Belvoir – soon to be 19,300 stronger – after the military’s BRAC relocation is complete in September.
In addition to Metro, improving U.S. 1 has to be a priority, said officials.
“You can drive Route 1 south and not see any open area until you get beyond Quantico and the Stafford area. I equate what’s going on here to development of Texas, where I’m from, where you have metroplexes,” said Carr.
After BRAC, Ft. Belvoir will consist of it’s main post off U.S. 1, the Ft. Belvoir North Area west of Interstate 95 in Fairfax County, the newly constructed and massive Mark Center building off Seminary Road in Alexandria, and it will house about 1,000 employees at Rivana Station in Charlottesville.
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Stafford County’s Board of Supervisors will hold its next meeting today, Tuesday, February 18, at 5 p.m. The meeting will be streamed live, and the agenda will be posted online.The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The board requested an additional consideration that County employees would be required to take leave for any board activities, work meetings, or constituent outreach. Those leave requests would be submitted to the County Administrator for public review. This rule would likely have the most impact on the new Chairman of the Board, Deuntay Diggs, who is also a Deputy with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office. The agenda states the requests will be considered and a new draft presented at a future meeting.
The board will review revisions to the Code of Performance for 2025. At the last meeting, on Jan. 7, the board learned that if they wished to add new language to the draft they worked on in 2024, they would have to re-review the entire draft Code of Performance and Ethical Standards which the By-laws Committee worked on over the summer of 2024 and consider it again for adoption.
The Occoquan Town Council is set to hold its first FY2026 budget work session on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
(Webinar) Diet & Dementia: Brain-Healthy Tips to Reduce Your Risk…
Did you know that your food choices can impact your risk of developing dementia?
Kick off National Nutrition Month with an educational discussion on Wednesday, March 5 at 12 PM EST with Sunday Health dementia neurologist Dr. Sara Doyle and
