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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This week, we’re thrilled to host Dr. Babur Lateef, Chairman of the Prince William County School Board, and Jennifer Wall, Gainesville District Representative, for an engaging discussion on the state of education in Prince William County on the next Potomac Local News Podcast.
Rania Lateef, a senior at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and the Governor’s School @ Innovation Park, daughter of Prince William School Board Chairman Babur Lateef, has been named one of 40 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Selected from nearly 2,500 applicants nationwide, Rania is recognized for her groundbreaking research on the effects of artificial light and circadian disruption on biobehavioral systems in Drosophila melanogaster. Her work highlights the impact of sleep and circadian rhythm disturbances on physical and mental health.
Rania credited her success to the supportive academic community of Prince William County Public Schools, her teachers Stephanie Brown and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, and her unique opportunities at GS@IP. As a finalist, she has already won $27,000 and will compete for additional awards totaling over $1.8 million during a week-long event in Washington, D.C., in March 2025. Rania’s journey emphasizes the power of passion and commitment in achieving meaningful scientific discoveries.
The Woodbridge District invites residents to join a Community Update Town Hall Meeting hosted by Supervisor Margaret Angela Franklin. This virtual event offers an opportunity for residents to stay informed about the latest developments and initiatives in the community.
Details of the Town Hall:
Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Virtual (via Zoom)
Residents can participate in the meeting by joining the Zoom session.
On January 24, 2025, at 12:25 a.m., Sergeant E.E. West responded to a single-vehicle crash at the McDonald’s on Wonder Road. An intoxicated driver, identified as Juan Gomez Alvarez, 38, of North Carolina, entered the drive-thru at a high rate of speed, struck a sign, and came to rest at an awkward angle, blocking the lane.
Gomez Alvarez displayed red, glassy eyes and had a strong odor of alcohol. The investigation revealed that he had been convicted of DUI in New York just the previous day, making this his second offense in five years. He was charged with DUI second offense, refusal, and destruction of property and was taken to Rappahannock Regional Jail without bond.
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:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
