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A Note from Andres
Good evening!
I hope this edition of Mason Matters finds you well.
We're gearing up for a busy Spring here at Mason District, and I'm excited to share some updates. First, please be sure to save the date for our Budget Town Hall on March 28th at the Mason District Government Center. The FY 2025 proposed budget was released this week and my team and I want to hear your input. The Town Hall will be held in-person.
I'm also excited to share that I've appointed Falls Church resident Alis Wang to the Fairfax County Planning Commission. Alis is no stranger to our community and I'm thrilled she's lending her expertise to the Commission.
Finally, I'd like to invite you to follow us on social media. By liking our Facebook, X, and Instagram pages, you're ensuring that you'll keep up with the latest updates from Mason District. We do our best to share public safety updates from our first responder agencies, as well as helpful information that becomes available between our newsletter editions. Thank you to the folks who are already following us!
As always, my office exists to serve you. Please don't hesitate to contact me directly if I can ever be of assistance. I look forward to working with you!
My best,
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 Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
CONTACT MASON DISTRICT
fairfaxcounty.gov/mason/
703-256-7717
Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov
Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
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HAPPENING SATURDAY: Culmore Community Listening Session
Our Community Listening Session with George Mason University College of Public Health, Second Story, Fairfax County's Department of Neighborhood and Community Services, and Kaiser Permanente has been rescheduled to Saturday, February 24. We want to meet with community residents and hear your thoughts about what changes you’d like to see in your neighborhood. Free lunch & childcare provided – all are welcome! No RSVP required.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to Noon Saturday, February 24, 2024
WHERE: Bailey's Elementary School cafeteria (6111 Knollwood Dr., Bailey's Crossroads, VA 22041)
NEED ASSISTANCE? If you need transportation to the event or assistance with language translation other than Spanish, please email NCSCRCCRegion2@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-533-5750 as soon as possible.
 Join Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez for a Town Hall on the proposed Fairfax County Budget. This is a family-friendly community event and all are welcome to attend. No registration is necessary. You can view the proposed budget and learn more about the budget timeline at fairfaxcounty.gov/budget.
WHAT: Proposed Budget Town Hall
WHEN: 7 to 8:30 PM Thursday, March 28, 2024
WHERE: Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
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 Sup. Jimenez appoints Alis Wang to Fairfax County's Planning Commission
I'm excited to share that this week I appointed Falls Church resident Alis Wang to Fairfax County's Planning Commission. Alis is no stranger to our community and really understands the nuances surrounding land use development and planning. She has a tremendous resume and I’m thrilled that she’s lending her expertise to the Planning Commission.
Alis's numerous community roles over the years include the Mason District Land Use Committee, the Bailey’s Crossroads Seven Corners Revitalization Corporation (BC7RC) Board, and as Vice Chair of the 2020 Mason District SSPA Task Force. Alis represented Mason District on the Fairfax County Human Services Council, where she served as Vice Chair and Budget Chair. Additionally, Alis served as the Vice President of the Lake Barcroft Association and as the Mason District Representative to the 2021 Fairfax County Redistricting Advisory Committee. She is certified as a Fairfax County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) member.
Welcome to the Planning Commission, Alis!
If you know a person or organization that should be featured in this section, please email Communications Director Eleanor Roy at Eleanor.Roy@fairfaxcounty.gov with the subject line "Celebrating Mason"
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 Connect with County Leaders podcast
I got the chance to sit down this week with Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill on his Connect with Community Leaders podcast. We chatted all things Mason, including our vision for the district, what makes Mason so unique, and how we're uplifting stories from Fairfax County's cultural hub. Our episode goes live on March 1, but you can catch up on his previous episodes on SoundCloud.
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Fairfax County's Public Safety Team
Fairfax County is lucky to have a world-class team of public safety agencies that keep our community safe. That was obvious during last week's FirstNet announcement at Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Station 26. As we learned about the county's investment in this communications tool, first responders jumped into action to answer a call. It was only fitting. Later that week I caught up with Fairfax County Sheriff Stacey Kincaid. It was great hearing about the incredible programs her department offers to our community. I look forward to working with our public safety agencies to keep our neighbors safe and healthy.
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Talking economics with Fairfax EDA
One of my favorite meetings last week was with members of Fairfax County's Economic Development Authority. It was great hearing that several of these folks spend their free time in Mason District even though they don't live here! We had a great chat about how Mason is a destination, not a waypoint. I anticipate many more meetings and projects where we uplift our community and spotlight what makes Mason so special.
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 Native Seeding Sale is back!
The Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Native Seedling Sale is only weeks away! Seedling packages will be available on the sales website on Thursday, March 14 at 10 a.m., 2 p.m., and 6 p.m. Seedling pickup days will be in April. You must purchase seedlings in advance as no day-of sales or extras will be offered. Learn more.
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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.
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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 Plan provides 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!
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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.
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Clean Fairfax Speakers Bureau offers new service:
Is your community group, business, HOA, school, faith community, or conference looking for an engaging speaker on environmental topics? The Clean Fairfax Speakers Bureau offers presentations on numerous climate-related subjects. Choose a topic and request a speaker online. Clean Fairfax will do its best to accommodate your request. Learn more.
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Paint It, Fairfax!
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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.
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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 here and send a resume to Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Looking for a summer camp?
It isn’t too early to begin making plans for the summer. George Mason University offers a variety of programs to engage children through academics, the arts, and sports/recreation camps. Participants can explore conflict resolution, conservation, game design and technology, podcasting, theater, music, and more. Camps are available on the Fairfax campus, Science and Technology (Manassas) campus, and virtually. Learn more.
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Looking for something to do this weekend?
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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.
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- February 22, 2024 (Patch)
- February 16, 2024 (Fairfax County Times)
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 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 wants your feedback! Assessors from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies will visit the department next week from February 26 through February 29 and is seeking feedback from the public. If you have recommendations for the assessors that you want to share, use the Public Comment Portal. Learn more.
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Coffee with a Cop (Tuesday, March 5) - Meet and chat with Mason District officers in a relaxed, casual setting. Coffee with a Cop will take place from 10 to 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 5 at Celebrity Delly (7263A Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22042).
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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, March 9) - Come by the Mason District Station (6705 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22033) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, March 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Car seats will be inspected on a first-come, first-served basis. All car seat inspections/installations will be conducted by a certified Child Passenger Safety technician.
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Community Advisory Committee meeting (Saturday, March 9) - The Mason District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will host a community engagement meeting at 7 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 at 7 p.m. at the Mason District Station (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). The meeting will feature a special presentation from the Police Motor Squad.
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Community Advisory Committee meeting (Tuesday, March 5) - The West Springfield District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will host a community engagement meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5. Our speaker will be 1LT J. A. Moore, National Integrated Ballistic Information Network, who will discuss their role in keeping Fairfax County safe. The meeting will be held in person at the West Springfield District Station (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152). We follow the Fairfax County Public School system for any weather-related cancellations. Direct questions to MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363.
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Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events with STOP THE BLEED (Saturday, March 9) - Join us from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9 for a lecture helping participants learn about attackers, disaster response, and how to prepare for and respond to being trapped in a building during an active violence event. This training is open to anyone in the community, but some of the material may be disturbing. STOP THE BLEED training also will be presented with this program. This training can be used anywhere to assist someone who has a severe bleeding emergency. This training will be held in person at the West Springfield District Station community room (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152). Direct questions to MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363. Please register via this Eventbrite link.
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Coffee with a Cop (Thursday, February 29) - Meet and chat with Franconia District officers in a relaxed, casual setting. Coffee with a Cop will take place at Starbucks at 6525B Frontier Dr., Springfield, VA 22150.
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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, March 2) - Come by the Franconia District Station (6121 Franconia Rd., Franconia, VA 22310 ) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, March 2, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. No appointment needed. Car seats will be inspected on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to install the child safety seat yourself beforehand so the inspection can be performed. If necessary, the seat will be properly re-installed and you will be shown how to install the seat properly in the future.
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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, February 24) - Come by the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, February 24, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment needed. Car seats will be inspected on a first-come, first-served basis. Be sure to install the child safety seat yourself beforehand so the inspection can be performed. If necessary, the seat will be properly re-installed and you will be shown how to install the seat properly in the future.
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 Free tax assistance still available
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 are available Monday through Saturday (times vary) at the Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). Walk-ins are welcome. Appointments also can be made by calling 703-249-9961. Learn more and download the Intake Packet and other helpful paperwork here.
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Feminine supplies donations needed for local shelter
As we prepare to celebrate Women’s History Month in March, we want to recognize the need for menstrual supplies around the County. These essential hygiene products are costly and the lack of access to safe and clean menstrual products can negatively impact overall physical and emotional well-being. I've partnered with my colleagues to host a feminine supplies drive beginning March 4 to collect essential menstrual products for our vulnerable community members. Donations will be accepted:
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Office of Supervisor Jimenez, Mason District Government Center - 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (beginning Monday, March 4!)
Learn more and find other drop-off locations.
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Neighborhood & Community Services (NCS) to hold open hire events
NCS is hiring for multiple positions in Community-based Programs and Services and School Age Child Care. The first event will be held Saturday, February 24 in Alexandria. Apply and interview on the spot for different positions. Qualified applicants may fill positions at other locations. Please bring several copies of your resume to the event. Learn more.
Virtual info sessions for proposed Land Development Services (LDS) amendments
Land Development Services will host virtual information sessions on proposed amendments to the county’s Chesapeake Bay Preservation Ordinance (CBPO) and the Public Facilities Manual (PFM). The sessions will be hosted on Microsoft Teams and accessible by either downloading Microsoft Teams, or joining on the web at the time of the meeting. Advanced registration is not required. Learn more.
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Proposed CBPO Amendment on Preservation of Mature Trees and Coastal Resilience and Adaptation to Sea Level Rise
- Feb. 26, 7 p.m.
- Feb. 29, Noon
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Proposed PFM Amendment on Street Light Waiver Criteria
- Feb. 26, Noon
- Feb. 29, 7 p.m.
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Academic scholarships offered to affordable housing students
People who live in affordable housing supported by the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCRHA) will have the opportunity to apply for academic scholarships beginning next month. Up to ten applicants will receive a $5,000 scholarship for postsecondary education including technical training. Applications will be available online from March 1 through April 30. Learn more.
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Early Voting is underway!
Early voting is underway for the March 5 presidential Primary Election! Beginning Saturday, February 24, you can vote early at the Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). You can cast an early ballot through March 2 on weekdays from 1 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Check the Fairfax County Office of Elections's website for more information about early voting, how to register early or same-day, how to curbside vote, and more.
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Want to lower your utility bills?
Is your home uncomfortable or difficult to heat and cool? CHP Energy Solutions provides no-cost, government and utility-funded improvements to increase the energy efficiency, health, and safety of your house or apartment. This can include installation of insulation, LED light bulbs, heating & cooling repairs and upgrades, and more. Homeowners and renters can see if they qualify by calling 888-229-3714 or by visiting chpenergysolutions.org. CHP Energy Solutions is the VA Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) designated weatherization provider for our community. All improvements are provided at no cost and are based on a site assessment and program guidelines.
Celebrate National Consumer Protection Week
Fairfax County's Consumer Affairs Branch is hosting public events during National Consumer Protection Week to provide resources so folks can understand their consumer rights, avoid fraud and scams, and make informed consumer decisions. Learn more.
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Consumer Affairs Workshop - Consumer Affairs 101, Medical Billing, Smart TV & Your Privacy
- March 6, 12:30 to 2 p.m. (Exhibit Booths 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.) Lincolnia Senior Center (4710 North Chambliss St., Alexandria, VA, 22312)
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Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Day
- March 7, 9 a.m. to Noon, Fairfax County Government Center Board Auditorium (Streamed live on Channel 16 Live Stream)
Join the Community Police Academy
Interested in learning more about local law enforcement? The Community Police Academy gives participants a glimpse behind the badge and provides information about training, policies, and the many units and divisions within the Fairfax County Police Department.
FCPD is accepting applications for the Spring 2024 session (March 14 to May 18) and the Fall 2024 session (September 12 to November 16). Learn more.
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Free notary services offered at Mason District
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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.
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Record-high demand at food pantry
Inventory at Annandale Christian Community for Action's food pantry is low and demand is at a record high. More than 1,100 individuals received food deliveries from the ACCA in December and January. To help restock their shelves, Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez is collecting food donations at the Mason District Government Center beginning March 4. Please visit accacares.org/foodpantry for the most up-to-date list of needed items.
Donations are accepted at the following locations:
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Office of Supervisor Jimenez, Mason District Government Center - 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003
- 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday (beginning Monday, March 4!)
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ACCA Food Pantry (white trailer separate from the day care center) - 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003 (Please be sure to deliver donations to a volunteer and don't leave food unattended)
- 1:30 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday
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