October 11, 2025

Holiday Safety Message

Hello Everyone,

While a lot of this is from last year’s Holiday Safety message…..I thought it bared repeating. Help spread the word!!

SANTA’S RIDE 2013
As Christmas approaches, children everywhere will be watching the skies for Santa Claus. In Fairfax County some very special children won’t have to wait until Christmas Eve. Santa and his elves will be rumbling down the streets of Fairfax County on motorcycles to gather presents donated by our wonderful citizens.

The toys will be delivered by Santa and his helpers to children at INOVA Fairfax Hospital Child Life Center, Georgetown Hospital and the Lombardi Cancer Center. Toys will also go to various local charities including the Ronald McDonald House and the Reston F.I.S.H. (For Immediate Sympathetic Help).

Toy collection boxes should be delivered to Police District Stations Monday (11/25/2013) and Santa and his helpers will be by to collect all of these generous donations on 12/09/13. Anyone wishing to make a donation should bring a new, unwrapped toy, game, book, or other gift to the Mount Vernon Police station. All donations should be made before 9 a.m. Monday, December 9. You do not have to wait until the boxes are here….just drop off at the front desk and tell them they are for Santa’s Ride.

Location – Mount Vernon Governmental Center – 2511 Parkers Ln, Alexandria, VA 22306 http://binged.it/WioDDi (Lobby is open 24 hrs. a day)

Thank you all so much for your continued support of this program!

With the weather outside becoming frightening…..the criminals, they are delighting….in all the easy gifts and goodies they can steal! It’s that time of year again……the time to reiterate the importance of practicing good security habits to friends, family and neighbors.

At Home:

1. Always keep home and car doors locked at all times.
2. Keep everything merry and bright – Remember to keep you exterior home lights on all night. (Make sure they are off during the day)
3. Consider using timers on interior lights so you don’t come home to a dark house.
4. Do Not leave valuables in your vehicle – take them inside with you.
5. Keep garage doors closed and be sure the door from the garage into the home is locked. Don’t leave the garage door opener in the car parked in the driveway.
6. Always keep home and car doors locked at all times.
7. If you order gifts to be delivered to your home, ensure someone is there to accept the package. Have a trusted neighbor keep a lookout for the packages left by delivery companies. (See more on this below)
8. If you go out of town for the holidays, make sure you ask a trusted neighbor, friend or family member to check the house at least once a day and pick up mail and newspapers. Provide your contact number in case of emergency.
9. When trash time comes, do not advertise all the newest gadgets and gizmos which have recently arrived at your domicile. Make sure to break down boxes and conceal them from view – this includes computers, phone boxes, tablet and E-reader boxes, TV’s, DVD players, stereo systems, other electronics….and on and on.
10. Do not open your door to strangers.
11. Always keep home and car doors locked at all times.
12. Make sure to report suspicious or criminal behavior immediately to the appropriate police number

Emergency/Crime in Progress – 911 Suspicious Activity/Make a Crime Report – 703-691-2131

Safety When Out/Shopping

1. Shop during daylight hours whenever possible
2. Make a mental note of exactly where you park your car.
3. If shopping at night, park in well-lit areas. If parking during daytime to return at night, make sure the area will be lit when you return.
4. Carry keys, cash and credit cards separate from each other and be constantly paying attention to your surroundings.
5. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If possible, avoid carrying a purse. Use a fanny pack or deep pockets in clothing to carry what you need.
6. Limit the number of credit cards that you carry.
7. If you have to carry a purse, carry it close to your body and always zipped or snapped.
8. Be aware of strangers “accidentally” bumping into you. Pick-pockets use this as a diversion.
9. Avoid shopping until you are exhausted. You are more likely to sense trouble if alert.
10. When hurried or in a crowded shop, make sure you get all forms of identification and credit cards returned to you before you leave.
11. Leave the mall/store well before closing time. This way, there is a greater assurance you will walk out with other people. (safety in numbers)
12. If you are shopping outside your home city or county, make sure you have the non-emergency police contact numbers for that jurisdiction

Here are some of our local jurisdiction non-emergency numbers:
· Alexandria City, (VA) – 703-838-4444
· Arlington County Police (VA) – 703-558-2222
· Fairfax City (VA) – 703-385-7924
· Loudon County Sheriff’s Office (VA) – 703-777-0445
· Manassas City Police (VA) – 703-257-8000
· Montgomery County Police (MD) – 301-279-8000
· Prince George’s County Police (MD) – 301-336-8800
· Prince William County Police (VA) – 703-792-6500
· Stafford County Sheriff’s Office (VA) – 540-658-4450

Package Delivery – Protect from purloiners

Back in the day, if you got a package delivered to your home, it required the driver to leave the package with an actual person, unless they received permission in writing from the addressee to leave the package on the porch. With the advent of Internet shopping and other shipping increases, packages now just get left on doorsteps throughout the day.

I have seen hundreds even thousands of dollars of merchandise just sitting on front porches……these items are, more and more, becoming juicy targets of opportunity.

CD’s, DVD’s, TV’s, computers, furniture, iPods, iPhones, iPads…the list goes on and on, just sitting out there. I encourage anyone ordering items to be shipped to your home, make a plan to secure these items. The more success these thieves have in our community, the more they will return time and time again.

With most sellers sending shipping notification and tracking numbers, this makes planning for your deliveries much easier.

· You can make arraignments with a neighbor to be on the lookout for the delivery – give them the date and approximate time of delivery….this still leave the package exposed for a time however.

· Set up a or notification request with the shipper on their website and get real-time tracking information on your goodies (see below)

· You can contact the shipper and have them hold your package at their local shipping hub for personal pickup.

· Select an alternate shipping location (office/work) where it can be delivered directly to you or a staff member.

· Create a secure box or area in which your regular delivery person can place your package and lock it up.

I know this seems like a lot of effort, but it will pay off, not only in preventing a loss to yourself, but also protecting the entire community by making us a harder target to victimize.

Please help the Police Department and the Mount Vernon area to reduce this type of opportunity crime!!

Be Safe,

Greg

MPO Greg Kottemann
Crime Prevention Office
Mount Vernon District Station
Fairfax County Police Department
703-360-8928
gregory.kottemann@fairfaxcounty.gov

New Board Meeting Minutes

New HOA Board Meeting minutes have been posted. To view, click here.

New Property Management Company

The MWMHOA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Jeffrey Charles and Associates of Alexandria to manage the financial and architectural review tasks for our association. Jeffrey Charles is a local property management services company who handles a number of homeowner associations in Alexandria, Old Town and the Springfield area that are comparable in size to MWM.

Beginning September 1, 2013, Jeffrey Charles will assume responsibility for our semi-annual HOA dues billing, collections, accounting and bill paying. Separate instructions will be provided regarding new payment procedures for the assessments. Additionally, the 2014 ARC home inspections will be conducted by Jeffrey Charles with oversight from ARC members. The MWMHOA Board will maintain a close working relationship with the staff of Jeffrey Charles to facilitate a smooth transition of the day-to-day financial management and ARC support.

While we will not have an increase in our upcoming October HOA dues, financial reviews and discussions are ongoing with regards to needed major capital improvements. The Board will address any possible future increases or special assessments at the MWMHOA Annual Meeting in March 2014.

The Mount Woodley Manor Board of Directors

Upcoming Transportation Improvments: You Choose

Fairfax County has identified roughly 200 transportation projects it would like to undertake, but only some of these projects will receive funding. It’s up to you to decide which projects receive attention, and which ones do not. Here’s a great opportunity to get involved and tell the county how you think traffic conditions can be improved in our area.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will kick off a series of four community meetings on the “Countywide Dialogue on Transportation.” The first meeting is in the southeast region the evening of Wednesday, October 30, and will be held in the cafeteria at Hayfield Secondary School, 7630 Telegraph Road. Maps and documents will be available to view starting at 6:30 pm, and a presentation with time for comments will begin at 7:00 pm.

Richmond Highway projects under consideration for funding include widening the road to a consistent six lanes from Mount Vernon Memorial Highway to Napper Road (Project #60) and from Armistead Road to I-95 (Project #61).

Pedestrian/bicycle projects being considered in our area include a walkway on Fort Hunt Road from Belle View Boulevard to Belle View Elementary School (Project #120), missing segments of trail along the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway (Project #154), and a walkway on Quander Road from West Potomac High School to Quander Elementary School (Project #165).

Projects which are already funded (mostly with federal funds) include several sidewalk segments, intersection pedestrian improvements along Richmond Highway, and a Bus Transit Center Study. The funded list also includes the Multimodal Transit Alternatives Analysis (a yearlong study by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation).

All citizens are invited to attend the meeting and submit comments, either in favor or against a project, or suggest other projects not currently on the list. Projects with the most public support will receive the most attention for funding.

To take the online survey, view the public meetings schedule, and learn more about the Countywide Dialogue on Transportation, please visit:http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fcdot/cdot/

Sincerely,
Edythe Kelleher, Executive Director
Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC)
(703) 360-5008
About SFDC
Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC) is a nonprofit economic development organization dedicated to promoting the redevelopment and revitalization of the Richmond Highway area from I-495 to Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia. SFDC keeps track of all major developments in our area, including commercial and transportation related projects. Stay up to date by visiting the “What’s Happening” section of our website at www.sfdc.org.

Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation (SFDC)
6677 Richmond Highway
Alexandria, Virginia 22306
(703) 360-5008

Domestic Violence Presentation – Dominion Virginia Power Bill Scam – Bike Theft Up in Fairfax

Mount Vernon – A Presentation on Domestic Violence
All – This is a fantastic opportunity to get information about this troubling issue in our communities.
The presentation is brought to you by top notch specialists in this field, and benefits from our survivors testimony.
Please RSVP if possible to Detective Melissa Wallace – melissa.wallace@fairfaxcounty.gov
 
October 16, 2013: Open Your Eyes to Domestic Violence is open the public and intended to give information to bystanders of domestic violence (friends, family, co-workers) who want to provide information to victims of domestic violence and provide them with resources in Fairfax County to leave an abusive relationship.  The event will be held at 6:00 p.m. at Mount Vernon Police Station, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, Virginia 22306.  Presenters are Detective Melissa Wallace, Victim Service Specialist Shannon DiMisa, Civil Attorney Razan Fayez, and a domestic violence survivor Amanda Tenorio.  Contact Razan Fayez for more information:  571-234-5564.

Folks….I have heard about one case in MT Vernon so far…..evidentially started in Southern VA as indicated by the Dominion Virginia Power press release in Richmond from January 2013

Dominion Virginia Power Warns Customers About Scammers Demanding Immediate Payment Of Utility Bills

– Scammers claim to be Dominion employees, threaten to cut off power unless paid immediately

– Dominion does not ask for specific payment information via telephone

– Better Business Bureau offers tips to avoid falling for a scam

Jan 10, 2013
RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Dominion Virginia Power is warning its customers about a scam involving phone calls from a person claiming to be a company employee, demanding immediate payment of utility bills. The caller claims electric service will be cut off unless the bill is paid within a matter of hours, usually by using a pre-paid debit card such as a “Green Dot card.”
The caller also may claim that a problem with an electric meter could result in a fire if not immediately replaced, offering reimbursement from Dominion at a later date if payment is made now.
Dominion may phone customers whose bills are in arrears to remind them payment is due, but never asks for specific payment information — only directing customers how to make a payment. The company encourages anyone who is improperly contacted about making a payment over the phone to call 1-866-DOM-HELP and local law enforcement officials. In addition, customers should ask to see an official Dominion ID from anyone who comes to their residence and claims to be from the company.
“We hope this warning will be heeded and shared so that other customers can avoid traps like this,” said Gianna Clark, vice president of customer service operations. “Scams are always troubling, particularly in these difficult economic times.”
The scammers have been targeting Spanish-speaking customers, the elderly and businesses throughout Virginia, but all customers should be aware of the possibility of being scammed. If you have questions or concerns about a phone call from someone claiming to be a Dominion employee, report the suspicious activity to Dominion by calling 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
The Better Business Bureau provides these tips to avoid falling for a scam:
  • Do your research. If you receive a call claiming to be from your utility company and feel pressured for immediate payment or personal information, hang up the phone and call the customer service number on your utility bill. For Dominion customers, that number is 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).
  • Beware of giving personal information over the phone. Never provide your Social Security number, credit card number or banking information to anyone requesting it over the phone or at your home unless you initiated the contact and feel confident about the person with whom you are speaking.
  • Use your own personal information. Always pay your bills with your own personal information; never pay your bills with information that is not your own.
  • Beware of the door-to-door sales approach. Never allow anyone into your home to check electrical wiring, natural gas pipes or appliances unless you have scheduled an appointment or have reported a utility problem. Also, ask utility employees for proper identification.
  • Be proactive. If you have already provided information to someone claiming to offer this service, contact your bank immediately. Also contact the three national credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – and have a notation made on your account so it doesn’t impact your credit rating.
  • Inform others. Share this information with friends and family so they do not become victims. Elderly victims are common in this type of scam, but anyone who pays a utility bill is a potential target.
Bicycle Thefts Up – Protect Your Property – Lock It Up!
Fairfax County Police warn residents to take precautions to protect their bicycles from thieves. Crime analysts report an approximate 36% increase in the number of stolen bicycles when comparing similar time periods over the prior year.
            From September 1, 2011-August 31, 2012 there were roughly 265 bicycle thefts. During the same time period from 2012-2013, there were 361.
            In the McLean area, alone, there have been 86 bicycles stolen. Many of the bikes are taken when residents leave their garage doors open. Thieves simply seize the opportunity, take the bikes, and walk away.
·        Don’t leave bikes outside unattended/unsecured – Thieves may be watching and may target “unused” bicycles
·        Keep bikes locked up in the garage and keep  garage doors closed
·        Invest in a hardened steel U-lock
·        Keep exterior lights on all night long from dusk till dawn
·        Take a photo of your bike and record the serial number; this will aid in recovery should your bike be stolen.
·        Report stolen item(s) online – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/crs

Halloween Safety – Drivers watch out for the little ghosties and ghouls

Hello Everyone,

Some Halloween Safety tips/reminders……for motorist and Trick or Treaters.
The first two are Adobe .pdf files (flyers)…the third is a .jpg picture format, perhaps better for a newsletter or e-mail group.
Thanks & Be Safe,
Greg
MPO Greg Kottemann
Fairfax County Police Department
Mount Vernon District Station
Crime Prevention Unit
703-360-8928

Week-end Visitor in Mt. Woodley Manor

Turkey visits Mt. Woodley resident's back yard

Turkey visits Mt. Woodley resident’s back yard

Who would have thought - a real live turkey in Mt. Woodley Manor

Who would have thought – a real live turkey in Mt. Woodley Manor

This turkey has places to got and things to do.

This turkey has places to got and things to do.

Help spread the word about Gum Springs

With approximately 3-weeks before the annual Gum Springs Community Day that will be recognizing the celebration of 180-years for the Gum Springs community, it would be greatly appreciated if you would print, distribute and make otherwise the attached postcard to your network. We really would like to have a fantastic turn-out for Gum Springs being 180-years old!

So, please help us spread the word!

Community_Day_Post_card0001

Spring Newsletter

Attached is our Spring Newsletter.  We’re always open to suggestions for improving our newsletter.  Please feel free to get in touch.
Regards,
Mt. Woodley Manor Board of Directors

Feasibility survey for a farmers market in the Belle View Shopping Center

The Mount Vernon Council of Citizens Associations (MVCCA) Consumer Affairs Committee is conducting a feasibility survey about whether or not a farmers market should be held in the Belle View Shopping Center (BVSC).  The Belle View Merchants Association have expressed a desire to have a farmers market in the BVSC.

The BVSC is a desirable location because BVSC is in a high vehicular and pedestrian traffic area that is bounded by two major roads—Belle View Blvd and Ft. Hunt Road—providing high visibility and a “ready-made” customer base from the surrounding communities. 
Again, the sole purpose for this survey is to determine the feasibility for establishing a farmers market in the BVSC and not to obtain information to move the Mount Vernon Farmers Market.  The Mount Vernon Farmers Market will remain at its current location–the Sherwood Regional Library parking lot.
Your participation in this short survey would be greatly appreciated and may not only determine its feasibility but also assist in the development of a farmers market best suited to the community’s interests and needs.  It will take you less than 5-minutes to complete.
Here’s the link to the survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CJRGFR9
You can also copy and paste the link to your Association’s website.
Feel free to contact me should you have any concerns or questions.
The survey will close at 11:59 p.m. on June 20th.