A Note from Andres I hope this note finds you and your family warm and safe. One of my biggest priorities is to show up for the Mason District wherever folks need us to be. The last two weeks were packed with meetings, events, and calls with community partners as my team and I hit the ground running. Those events most notably included our first Board of Supervisors (BOS) meeting and an evening ride-along with Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis (see recaps below). Both were productive and I look forward to continuing to build on our work and relationships across the BOS, County Agencies, and of course with you, our community. Last week’s frigid temperatures and snow accumulation are good reminders that winter isn’t over. When temperatures dip, we have to look after our neighbors and community members who need a little extra help. Below you’ll find a list of resources to help you navigate inclement weather, as well as guidance on how to report folks who are exposed to the elements. You’ll also find “Destination: Mason,” our guide to all things related to arts, culture, music, and business in Mason District. I leave you today with an invitation and an ask: Please join us for our Mason District Open House next Friday. This is a family-friendly event with light refreshments. Come by, grab some food, and meet your Mason District team. See details and RSVP at the link below. And finally, I hope you'll follow Mason District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news. My office exists to serve you. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’d like to connect with us, or if you need help with any government services. You can email me at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call my office at 703-256-7717.  Thank you for your support. My best,

Andres Jimenez

Mason District Supervisor

WHEN: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Friday, February 2, 2024

WHERE: Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)

WHAT: Open house with light refreshments. Meet your new Supervisor and connect with local community groups and your neighbors. This is a family-friendly event. Please RSVP for headcount purposes.

Northern Virginia-based Recovery Program Solutions (RPSV) of Virginia Celebrates 13 Years of Service

RPSV began serving Northern Virginia in 2011 and since has helped thousands of individuals in the Arlington County, Fairfax County and Falls Church communities recover and pursue their dreams. RPSV operates five centers across the area and offers weekly virtual groups and assistance for people struggling with mental health, substance use, and homelessness issues. Thank you for your service to our community!

RPSV invites the public to join its celebration of 13 years of service and to support its mission of helping individuals recover and thrive. Here’s how you can help:

• Donate your new and gently used winter clothing. These items are needed urgently as the temperatures have dropped to such dangerous levels. Other items like tarps, waterproof tents, sleeping bags, and waterproof rolling backpacks are welcome as well. Donations can be dropped off at the Consumer Wellness Center at 7611 Little River Turnpike, E100 in Annandale Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please call Jo at the center at (703) 531-4650.
• Donate bus tokens and other needed items at sites across Fairfax County (find your closest center).
• Volunteer to help the homeless find services by calling 571-919-8909 or visiting rpsva.org.

Inova Pediatric Sick Clinic Grand Opening

As a dad to two young girls, I know how easy it is for something like a cold to cause mayhem for a family. Having a sick kid affects the whole household & it's especially hard on working families. Inova's Pediatric Sick Clinic is a gamechanger for this community, and I was thrilled to participate in its grand opening. Many folks here are uninsured or under-insured and can’t access the care they need without risking their family’s financial future, and finding care in the first place can be tough. Government can't address it alone and we need partners like Inova to meet the challenge head on. Thank you, Inova, for your commitment to keeping our community healthy.

Ride-Along with Fairfax County Police

The opioid epidemic continues to impact our community. I saw its effects firsthand during an evening ride-along with Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis as officers made six fentanyl-related arrests. Thank you to our police department for all you do in keeping our community safe and getting dangerous drugs off the street. If you or someone you know is struggling with opioid addiction, please know there are resources available to help. Visit the link below for tips on talking about addiction, where and how to properly dispose of old medication, and overdose prevention. Learn more.

Board of Supervisors Meets for First Time in 2024

I joined my colleagues Tuesday for our first Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting of 2024. I want to give a huge shoutout to the County staff and admin folks who have made this transition seamless for the new Board members. I was excited to bring forth my first Board Matter in which my colleagues and I voted to advertise the AARP Tax Clinic held here in Mason and around Fairfax County that assists seniors and others in filing their taxes (see “FYI” for more info about the clinic). In the future, I plan to share specific items from our meetings that pertain to Mason District residents in our “Mason Minutes” newsletter section. Until then, folks can watched archived meetings later via video on demand.

School Board/BOS Retreat

The Fairfax County School Board and Board of Supervisors met for a Board Retreat to discuss goals and priorities. I look forward to working together and continuing to provide our students a world-class education and make Fairfax County the best place to live, work, and play.

Calling all small businesses:

Fairfax County’s newest initiative to help small businesses is accepting applications. The THRIVE program provides consulting services to small businesses to help them grow and continue post-pandemic recovery. The application will remain open until the last 500 slots are filled, or until April 30. Learn more.

Attention regional jobseekers:

A FREE career fair (with virtual options!) will be held next week in Tysons Corner and will feature more than 40 employers in the IT sector ranging from defense and aerospace to healthcare and renewable energy. Jobseekers can get free professional headshots and light refreshments while networking with dozens of Northern Virginia employers. The event will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 30. Learn more.

Paint It, Fairfax!

A new program establishes a pool of artists to paint murals across Fairfax County in certain designated areas. As the cultural hub of Fairfax County, Mason District is home to three of these areas, known as “Commercial Revitalization Districts.” Paint It, Fairfax! is a community-driven program featuring lots of collaboration with local stakeholders. Individual artists and teams must be at least 18 years old and can submit their applications online. Learn more.

Need a meeting space?

Need a meeting space? We might have room at the Mason District Government Center! Beginning February 2, our office is accepting applications to reserve public meeting rooms at the Mason District Government Center in the second quarter of 2024. Building renovations at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale are anticipated to begin this year, but the construction schedule isn’t finalized. If you’d like to reserve a public meeting room in April, May, or June of this year, email your application to Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov starting February 2. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Questions can be emailed to Chris Delta at Christine.Delta@fairfaxcounty.gov or by calling 703-256-7717.

DEADLINE EXTENDED:

Calling call area high school student artists: The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) is joining with the Community Engagement Campaign’s regional water utilities to hold its third annual Source Water Protection Art Contest. Local student artists, grades 9 – 12 can submit their art or short video which captures the importance of protecting our local water sources for a chance to win a prize. The application deadline has been extended to February 12. Learn more.

Vendors & exhibitors needed:

Vendors and exhibitors needed: Fairfax County Park Authority’s 2024 Earth Day Festival is accepting applications for vendors and exhibitors to participate in this the largest Earth Day celebration in Fairfax County. Applications are due by February 12. Learn more.

Nominations open for artists:

ArtsFairfax will recognize its 2024 awards and is accepting nominations for artists who contributed to the arts in Fairfax County and the Cities of Falls Church and Fairfax. Self-nominations are accepted. The deadline for nominations is February 29. Learn more.

Registration to open for the 2024 Shape of Our Region Conference:

Join the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia and partners to tackle the problem of broken social trust that has left Americans divided, lonely, and in social gridlock. This year's conference features the Aspen Institute's Weave: The Social Fabric Project. Weave helps communities connect, support, and invest in local leaders who are weaving a new, more inclusive social fabric. Registration opens February 9. Learn more.

NEW Mason District Art Advisory Committee seeking artists:

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved a Master Arts Plan last year that will broaden community access and engagement with local arts and culture. The Master Arts Plans provide a blueprint for cultural facilities and for public art throughout the County to reflect its diversity, consider existing facilities, and anticipate future growth. Mason District is set to establish a hyper-local version of the plan with the goal of identifying needs, opportunities, and resources specific to Mason District. Artists are needed to develop a draft set of short, medium, and long-term actions that can help bring the plan to fruition. We are looking for community members in the Mason District who are interested in this process and may be willing to participate in some initial conversations. Please reach out to Christine.Delta@fairfaxcounty.gov if this is you!

Looking for something to do this weekend?

Think local! Check the Made in Fairfax Directory for local small businesses around you. The Made in Fairfax Directory provides an opportunity for residents and supporters to connect directly with Fairfax County makers. Eligible small-scale production businesses located in Fairfax County can apply for a listing through this form.

Interested in serving on a Board, Authority, or Commission (BAC)?

Interested in serving on a Board, Authority, or Commission (BAC)? Topics range from athletics and health care to ending domestic violence and development. Learn more at the here and send a resume to Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Supervisor Jimenez wants to make Mason District a cultural hub

– January 19, 2024 (Annandale Today) 

Inova opens clinic for sick children

– January 20, 2024 (Annandale Today)

Mason District is served by multiple stations of Fairfax County Police Department that include Mason, Franconia, Mclean, and West Springfield. 

County-Wide Information

• Fairfax County Police Department launched Operation Press Check, a new initiative aimed at reducing gun violence and keeping firearms out of the hands of convicted felons. FCPD seized nearly 1,200 firearms in 2023. This new program can help keep guns off the streets, but it hinges on community collaboration. Any information reported could help prevent gun violence. If you have information about someone in illegal possession of a firearm, you can submit a tip anonymously to Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and online here. Anonymous tipsters are eligible for a cash reward. Please leave contact information for a detective to follow up with you.
• This week’s flooding and wind reminds us to stay vigilant in monitoring weather conditions. Luckily, Fairfax County created the Emergency Information blog for residents to access resources easily during emergencies. You can sign up for emergency alerts here. Fairfax County’s Guide to Snow webpage features lots of helpful information, including a live snow plow tracker, forecast details, and guides for shoveling show and using salt.
• If you or someone you know is at risk of hypothermia, they may qualify for the county’s Hypothermia Prevention Program. The program is ongoing through March 31. If you see someone who is unsheltered ad you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the county’s non-emergency Police phone number at 703-691-2131.

Mason District

• Mason District Faith Quarterly Community Meeting – Mason District Police is hosting an open dialogue about the safety and security in faith communities at 1 p.m. January 30 at the Mason District Government Center at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale. Questions can be directed to FCPDMasonCPO@fairfaxcounty.gov.
• Mason District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting – Join the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting at 7 p.m. February 6. The meeting will be held at Thomas Jefferson Library located at 7415 Arlington Blvd. in Falls Church. CAC meetings are open to ALL residents in the Mason Police District to enhance communication between the police department and the public by offering community members the chance to speak directly with their local officers. For more information, contact MPO Stacy Sassano at FCPDMasonCPO@fairfaxcounty.gov.

West Springfield District

• West Springfield District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Meeting – Join the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) at 7 p.m. February 6. The meeting will be held IN PERSON at the West Springfield District Station, 6140 Rolling Rd. in Springfield. These meetings offer the community a chance to dialogue and communicate more effectively with officers of the Fairfax County Police Department. Our speaker will be CPT Scott Colwell, Traffic Division, who will discuss their role in keeping Fairfax County safe. We follow the Fairfax County Public School system for any weather-related cancellations. Consider signing up for the West Springfield CAC meeting reminders, agendas, and minutes. The email address is wscacmailbox@gmail.com. The CAC meetings are generally held on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. (except for July and August), and all ages are welcome to attend. If you have any questions, contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363.
• Personal Safety for Women Course – Officers from the West Springfield District Station will present Personal Safety for Women at 6:30 p.m. February 8 in the community room of the West Springfield Government Center at 6140 Rolling Rd. in Springfield. This lecture-based course is designed to provide information on situational awareness, how to recognize and react in various locations, and how to defend yourself in a dangerous situation. The presentation will take approximately one hour, with time for questions during and after the class. You do not need to register for this presentation. If there are any questions before the class, contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov. Please note that we follow the Fairfax County Public School system for any weather-related cancellations.
• Free car seat inspections – Come by the West Springfield District Station to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, February 10, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Springfield District Station, 6140 Rolling Rd. in Springfield. No appointment needed. Car seats will be inspected on a first-come, first-served basis. When you arrive, come into the lobby and you will be given further instructions. Be sure to install the child safety seat yourself so the inspection can be performed. The seat will be properly re-installed if necessary, and you will learn how to install the seat properly in the future. Please direct questions to MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov.  We follow the Fairfax County Public School system for any weather-related cancellations. All car seat inspections/installations will be conducted by a certified Child Passenger Safety technician. We also have car seat inspections by appointment every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Please call the West Springfield Station at 703-644-7377 and press zero to make an appointment.  

Important notice for voters:

Early Voting is underway in Fairfax County! The Mason District Government Center is an early voting location, but not until February 24 through March 2. See below for current early voting locations in Fairfax County. Fairfax County voters can cast early ballots in person at any OPEN Fairfax County early voting location.

Vote at the Mason District Government Center February 24 - March 2: 

Voters can cast an early ballot in person at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, weekdays from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn more.

Helpful Resources

Free tax assistance

Need help with your taxes? Mason TaxAide is back this year with free tax preparation assistance for low- and moderate-income taxpayers with special attention to seniors. The services begin January 29 and will be available Monday through Saturday (times vary) at the Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale). Walk-ins are welcome, but we recommend making an appointment by calling 703-249-9961. Learn more and download the Intake Packet and other helpful paperwork here.

Dog licenses due at the end of the month This is Maggie Jimenez here to remind you that dog license renewals are due by January 31. They’re only $10. Learn more and apply or renew online.

Sign up for tax deadline reminders!

Fairfax County’s Tax Administration offers a signup to receive e-alerts for tax deadlines. Taxpayers also can look up their among due and view payment plans. Be proactive and make sure you don’t miss a payment deadline! Learn more.

Free notary services offered at Mason District Did you know that our office offers free notary services? Contact our office at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or by calling 703-256-8035 to inquire about the types of documentation we can notarize and to schedule appointments.

Dementia Friendly Fairfax webinar 

Dementia Friendly Fairfax is hosting a free webinar to learn how to become a dementia friend and turn your new understanding of dementia into a practical action that can help someone living in your community. The webinar will take place from Noon to 1:15 p.m. February 14. All webinars are free and open to family caregivers, older adults, adults with a disability, professionals, and the community-at-large. For questions, contact Ayiguli.Saifuding@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 571-407-6961. Learn more and register.