🌱 Fairfax Supervisors Vote For Raise + Free FCPS Mental Health Care

Morning, everybody! Miranda Fraraccio here with your fresh copy of the Mount Vernon Patch newsletter, filled with all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, your local weather:

• Thursday: Partly sunny. High: 53 Low: 34.
• Friday: A couple of afternoon showers. High: 43 Low: 36.
• Saturday: Breezy; a shower in the a.m.. High: 48 Low: 31.
• Sunday: Partly sunny. High: 51 Low: 36.

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Here are the top three stories today in Mount Vernon:

1. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has voted in favor of a proposal to increase their salaries by up to 45 percent, with salaries for county supervisors potentially rising to $125,000-$130,000 and Chairman Jeff McKay's salary potentially increasing to $140,000-$145,000. Currently, county supervisors earn around $90,000 a year, while McKay earns about $100,000 a year. Before the proposed pay increases are implemented, there will be a public hearing on Mar. 21; residents are invited to register to testify. (WJLA)
2. Fairfax County Public Schools has partnered with Hazel Health to provide free virtual mental health services to around 61,000 high school students. The service was allocated $500,000 in the fiscal year 2023 budget; it is expected to cost the district over $686,000 for the first nine months. The launch of the program is expected to be available later this spring, although the exact date has not yet been announced. (WTOP)
3. Registration is open for Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club's Spring Break Soccer Camp. Children in 3rd-12th grade are invited to register for the camp, which is scheduled for Apr. 3-6 at Manchester Lakes Park. Half-day participation is $275 and full-day participation is $375; those who wish to learn more or sign up can do so here. (Lee Mount Vernon Sports Club via Facebook)

Coming up in and around Mount Vernon:

Thursday, March 9

• Thirsty Thursday Wine Tasting At Woodlawn Press Winery, Alexandria (3:00 PM)

Friday, March 10

• Live Music Series At The Ugly Mug, Washington, DC (9:30 PM)

Saturday, March 11

• Mt. Vernon Trail Trimming At Four Mile At Mt. Vernon, Alexandria (10:00 AM)
• Yoga.Here.Now. At River Farm, Alexandria (10:30 AM)

Sunday, March 12

• Laugh N Shine Open Mic Night At Hops N Shine, Alexandria (6:30 PM)

Monday, March 13

• Community Meeting On Opioid Awareness At Fairfax High School, Fairfax (6:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• On the house hunt? Start your search close to home with these five new properties to hit the Mount Vernon real estate market. (Mount Vernon Patch)
• Fairfax County police have identified the two officers involved in a fatal shooting of a suspected shoplifter near Tyson's Corner Center. Sgt. Wesley Shifflett and officer 1st Class James Sadler will be on restricted duty status throughout the investigation, with body camera footage to be released within 30 days. (WTOP)
• A new art installation is set to open down the road in Old Town Alexandria later this month. The piece, titled "Two Boxes of Oranges and Admonia Jackson," will be on display at Waterfront Park starting Mar. 25. (The Zebra)

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Featured events:

• Spring Fling Event (March 24)
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Alrighty, you're all good for today. See you all soon for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.