What a wonderful year it's been in our community! I am truly grateful for family, friends, health, the privilege of serving each of you and especially Team MVD, who answer your questions, host great community events, work to connect you with County services and so much more. This year, I thought it would be meaningful for you to hear directly from the team about what they’re thankful for in working for you.
Christine Morin – "Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside passionate community members to help shape our community. I am truly grateful for the relationships we have built and the collaborative spirit of our residents. Contributing to projects like the Lorton Community Center and Library—where it’s heartwarming to see children at the playground and engaging in classes—has been especially rewarding. Additionally, the revitalization of Richmond Highway, the development of Liberty and the Workhouse master plan, and the visioning and redevelopment of the Original Mount Vernon High School reflect our commitment to creating a vibrant community that serves everyone. I’m thankful every day for the trust our residents place in us and that together we are able to make a meaningful and lasting impact on our community. Thank you!"
Camela Speer – "I have served you as Supervisor Storck’s Communications Director and Environmental Lead for 7 years, with this past year also serving as his Deputy Chief of Staff. I also have lived in Lorton for more than 25 years. I often say my favorite thing about what I do is getting to communicate about my community to my community. I am also grateful in my new role to pursue other passions, like bringing new public art displays. Recently, I had an opportunity to tour the District with ArtsFairfax looking at all the amazing opportunities we have along the Richmond Highway corridor to improve access and strengthen our sense of community through various forms of art and community engagement."
Peyton Smith – "I’ve had the privilege of serving you for almost 3 1/2 years, while also living in the District. I truly enjoy making a positive impact on our community and engaging with residents on a variety of issues. Outside of work, I’m passionate about biking and coffee roasting, and in our community I’m especially thankful for the Mount Vernon Trail, which I consider the Cultural Spine of our District. The Trail not only offers beautiful scenery but also connects us to the many incredible tourism opportunities in the area, including the Mount Vernon Estate, Grist Mill, Woodlawn – all without the need of a car!"
Maddie Alvarado – "I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to live and work in Fairfax County. After being the Office Manager and Health & Human Services Liaison for almost 3 years, I have come to understand that Fairfax County consists of a diverse community of people that can help us all grow to be better versions of ourselves. I have enjoyed not only the food that comes from having a diverse community, but also the culture and arts that they bring. I am thankful that I work with a team that embraces people for who they are and the great things that they bring to Fairfax County. In the Mount Vernon District, I am thankful to everyone who creates such a wonderful place to live, eat and gather to create a place we can call home. Our residents are the reason we can say that the Mount Vernon District is truly 'The One'."
Cassidy Donaghy – "Working with Team MVD for almost 2 1/2 years as Supervisor Storck's Communications, Events and Community Outreach Coordinator, I have had the privilege to help bring you newsletters such as this one and work on major events like our Tour de Mount Vernon and the Ides of Bark, to name a few. As someone who grew up in the Mount Vernon District, I've loved watching this community grow and evolve over the years. Being part of projects at the Lorton Community Center and Library and watching the renovations come together at Original Mount Vernon High School is especially meaningful to me. I can remember visiting the Lorton Library for summer camps before the renovation, learning to swim at the Mount Vernon Rec Center and volunteering at the Lorton Community Action Center in its previous location. Seeing these places transformed and thriving today is incredibly exciting, and I'm thankful to be part of it all."
Diego Rodriguez Cabrera – "Hey there, I'm Supervisor Storck’s Transportation, Parks, and Housing Liaison. This is my second round having the privilege to work for Supervisor Storck, as I served as his Latinx Outreach Coordinator in 2020-2021. I’ve lived along Richmond Highway all my life, and this community holds a special place in my heart. I am incredibly thankful for the work I do and the impact it makes on people’s lives, especially with our most vulnerable populations. Whether it’s connecting people to County resources, educating community members on the various ongoings of the District, or advocating for our residents, our work is essential to ensure no one gets left behind. One of my favorite places in the District is Grist Mill Park. I have been going there since I was a kid, and it is home to our Mount Vernon Nights Summer Entertainment Series. It’s a wonderful place to gather with family and friends on a hot summer day to share a picnic, play frisbee, or attend a summer concert!"
Shirley Short – "Through my work as a retired firefighter and volunteering with this office and the Mount Vernon Springfield Chamber of Commerce, I've had the pleasure of meeting many dedicated County personnel and business owners who have welcomed me with open arms and become valued friends. As a constituent, I am incredibly thankful for the many agencies and resources that are available to me. And as always, I am thankful for my family."
I'm thankful for Team MVD and their unwavering dedication to serving our community. Every day, they strive to make a difference in the Mount Vernon District, by working on projects like the Richmond Highway Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, "The One," or by addressing community concerns such as reducing truck parking on local roads. Some of our other key ongoing efforts include the renovation of the Mount Vernon Rec Center, scheduled to open in Spring 2025, Lorton Visioning 2040 and Original Mount Vernon High School, set to open in Summer 2026. Additionally, we are working to support small businesses through the Fairfax Founders Fund and Green Business Partners. I wish you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving, and as always, I'm very thankful to be able to represent you and serve our community!