What makes a community strong? For Fairfax County, the answer lies in its dedicated volunteers and community leaders who work tirelessly to create opportunities for youth, arts and sports.
In the February episode of “Connect with County Leaders,” Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill sat down with two leaders who have shaped the county’s cultural landscape for over three decades.
Mark O’Meara, owner of University Mall Theatres and Cinema Arts Theatre, is a leader with the Robinson High School Booster Club and has consistently worked to create opportunities for young people in the community.
Gary Flather, CEO of the Southwestern Youth Association and a member of the Fairfax Athletic Council, oversees programs that serve thousands of young athletes and works to build strong relationships between sports organizations and local schools.
Building Youth Sports Programs
The Southwestern Youth Association has become a cornerstone of youth sports under Flather’s leadership with 13 sports programs serving over 10,000 children and supported by 2,500 volunteers.
“Success starts with our volunteers,” says Flather. “We’re a nonprofit volunteer organization. Having a large base of volunteers makes the organization run. The organization provides sports programs for children aged 4 to 18 and serves as a feeder program for several high schools in the area."
Arts and Entertainment in the Community
O’Meara believes in the power of movies to bring people together.
“I believe that the movie theater is the cultural center in the neighborhood,” O’Meara explains. His theaters focus on “bringing in movies that address different issues, different cultures, different populations.”
O’Meara’s commitment to the community extends beyond the theater. He has been deeply involved with Robinson High School’s Booster Club and various community programs, including one that helps children with disabilities gain work experience and Jazz for Justice with George Mason University.
Changes in Fairfax County
Both leaders have witnessed significant changes in the county over the years. Flather, a lifelong resident, has seen tremendous growth.
“When we moved out to Centreville, we had one restaurant... Now there’s every restaurant known to mankind. The diversity is fantastic. We have neighbors and friends of every culture.”
Looking to the Future
Both leaders emphasize the importance of community involvement for newcomers to Fairfax County.
“Volunteer. Get involved,” Flather advises. O’Meara agrees, noting that opportunities exist for every interest: “There are so many things going on...anything you want, there’s ways to get involved.”
As Fairfax County continues to grow and diversify, leaders like Flather and O’Meara remain committed to creating inclusive spaces for arts, sports and community engagement.
Connect With County Leaders Podcast
The “Connect with County Leaders” podcast is a monthly opportunity to meet and connect with Fairfax County leaders, to learn about the latest county news and information, and hear more on specific programs and services in Fairfax County.
Listen or watch past episodes of “Connect with County Leaders” on SoundCloud, on YouTube and on Channel 16’s podcast on demand page. For other Fairfax County podcasts, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/podcasts, and for additional audio content, tune in to Fairfax County Government Radio at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/radio.
SIGN UP FOR DAILY EMAIL HEADLINES