Community engagement is vital to building and maintaining strong communities and passionate individuals. As stated by Coretta Scott King, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” I believe that statement to be true, especially here in the Mount Vernon District. We have many strong community leaders who are driving issues from increased economic development and transportation improvements along the Richmond Highway Corridor, to the protection of our natural resources such as Dyke Marsh and Mason Neck State Park. However, we always need more voices and helping hands.

I invite you to join us on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2018, for our 31st Annual Town Meeting at Mount Vernon High School to learn more about our District and how you can be engaged in 2018. The morning will start at 7:45 a.m. with the opening of the Exhibit Hall, where you can meet over 75 community groups and County agencies. Here are just a few opportunities you will find in the Exhibit Hall:

• Sign up to volunteer with the United Community Ministries or GrandInvolve.
• Learn about Connector Bus service or the Fairfax County Archaeological Research Team.
• Join the Mount Vernon Council of Citizens’ Associations, the South County Federation or the Friends of Huntley Meadows Park.
• Explore educational opportunities with the National Park Service and the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia.

At 9:30 a.m. the program will begin with musical performances and my personal welcome addressing our major accomplishments in 2017 and our main focuses for 2018. Throughout the morning you will hear from several distinguished speakers about the “State of the District and the County.” Speakers include Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, new County Executive Bryan Hill, Mount Vernon District School Board Member Karen Corbett Sanders, new Superintendent of Schools Scott Brabrand and other community leaders. Audience members will have the opportunity to have their questions answered directly by these leaders. The highlight of the morning will be taking a “virtual flying tour” of the changes in our district in this past year, with me as your pilot.

Come out and join us. Learn and get involved. The more residents engage and participate in our district, the more we will all be enriched and fulfilled in our day-to-day interactions within our community. Working together, we all have a hand in our future and in improving the quality of life for all Mount Vernon residents.