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A Note from Andres
Good evening!
I know it's a busy time of year for folks, so I'll keep this brief. Fairfax County recently released its proposed FY 2025 budget, and my team and I want to hear your feedback. My office is hosting a Budget Town Hall on Thursday, March 28th from 7 to 8:30 p.m. This event will be held in-person at the Mason District Government Center and streamed on Facebook Live. I hope you'll consider joining us and making your voice heard.
In our ongoing effort to meet folks where they are and connect with our community, we launched our LinkedIn page last week. This is in addition to our Facebook, X, and Instagram pages. If you're a social media user, give us a follow so you can keep up with the latest.
I hope you enjoy this edition of Mason Matters, and as always, 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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TRANSPORTATION UPDATE: Fairfax Connector returns to service Friday
Fairfax Connector announced Wednesday that service would resume Friday, March 8, following a work stoppage. For further updates and information, visit fairfaxconnector.com or call Customer Service Center at 703-339-7200, TTY 703-339-1608.
Join Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez for a HYBRID Town Hall on the proposed Fairfax County Budget. The event will be held in-person and will be streamed on Facebook Live. 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
IN-PERSON: Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
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VIRTUAL: Watch on Facebook Live
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Local high school principal honored by Leadership Fairfax
Annandale High School Principal Shawn DeRose (fifth from left) received Leadership Fairfax's Educational Leadership Award last month.
Annandale High School Principal Shawn DeRose received the prestigious Educational Leadership Award presented by Leadership Fairfax. The award recognizes a teacher or administrator who demonstrated a long-term, consistent pattern of excellent leadership.
Leadership Fairfax said Principal DeRose "has collaborated with students, staff, families and community members to foster a diverse and inclusive community at Annandale High School."
Annandale High School celebrated another big win last month when music teacher Annie Ray was awarded the Grammy's Music Educator Award.
It's no surprise that so many exciting things are happening at Annandale High School (two of my staffers are AHS alums!). Congratulations to Principal DeRose and the whole Annandale High School community!
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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Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department Station 18
I'm always appreciative when our public safety folks take the time to chat about their priorities. My visit to Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Station 18 was extra special thanks to Master Technician S. Brecht, who took us out for a quick spin on Rescue 418 - my first time riding in a fire truck! I'd also like to thank Battalion Chief Kitchen for his time that day, and for all that his team does to keep our community safe.
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Length of Service Awards
Friday mornings quickly became a highlight of my week since taking office. I get to spend them recognizing Fairfax County employees receive their Length of Service awards. Some of these folks served upwards of 40 years! As Chair of the Personnel Committee, it's so inspiring to meet these public servants and honor them.
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Culmore Listening Session
It's clear from our Listening Session with the Culmore community that we have to continue our work uplifting voices in Mason District. Top priorities include continuing fighting the opioid epidemic, prioritizing pedestrian safety, and addressing community health issues like domestic abuse and violence. Thank you to our partner hosts Kaiser Permanente, Second Story, George Mason University's College of Public Health, and Fairfax County's Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
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Weekend of Civic Engagement
What does it mean to be a community citizen? That’s what I got to chat about last Saturday with the Boy Scouts Annandale Troop 50. Making your voice heard is part of being a community citizen, and it just so happened to be the last day of Early Voting for the Presidential Primary! It was great stopping by the Mason Government Center with my family to chat with voters. Thank you to everyone who took the time to cast their ballots and participate in our elections.
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Connect with County Leaders podcast
Our episode of the "Connect with County Leaders" podcast with Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill is LIVE! Hear about our collective vision for Mason District, our cultural vibrancy, and what we have planned for initiatives on public safety, environmental protection, and transportation. Thank you to the Channel 16 crew who produced the episode and to Executive Hill for hosting! Click here to listen to the episode or watch it on YouTube.
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Mark Your Calendar for NCS Summer Camp Registration!
No matter your student's age, there's a summer camp for them! Fairfax County's Department of Neighborhood and Community Services offers youth and teen camps throughout the summer. Registration begins Tuesday, March 12, so be sure to sign up early and secure your spot. Learn more.
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Check out George Mason University's summer camps:
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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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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Celebrate Women's History Month at your local library!
March is Women's History Month, and Fairfax County Public Libraries have lots of events to celebrate. From presentations and book clubs to movie screenings and crafts, you're sure to find something to help you recognize WHM. Learn more.
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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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 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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- March 7, 2024 (Falls Church News-Press)
- March 1, 2024 (FFXnow)
- February 26, 2024 (Annandale Today)
- February 22, 2024 (Annandale Today)
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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
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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 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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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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Neighborhood Watch training (Tuesday, March 12) - Join us for a Neighborhood Watch training at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12. This training is required before you may participate in the Neighborhood Watch Program. You're only required to take this training once unless you would like a refresher or have questions. The meeting will be held in-person at the West Springfield District Station community room (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152). You do not need to register for this presentation. If you have any questions, contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Scout Night (Wednesday, March 13) - Join West Springfield officers for a hands-on Scout Night! Activities include a virtual station tour, chatting with officers, and checking out a real police cruiser. Each Troop/Den group visit must be arranged ahead of time and is limited to 30 minutes. Slots are available starting at 5:30 p.m. If your older Scouts have specific badge requirements, please contact us to discuss arrangements. Contact either PFC Liam May at 703-277-2357 or MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 for scheduling and questions.
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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, March 23) - Come by the West Springfield Station (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m. to 1 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. Be sure to install the child safety seat yourself so the inspection can be performed. For questions, contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Free car seat inspections (Saturday, March 16 & 30) - Come by the Franconia District Station (6121 Franconia Rd., Franconia, VA 22310) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, March 16 OR March 30 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. Be sure to install the child safety seat yourself so the inspection can be performed. Call the station at 703-922-0889 for questions.
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Community Advisory Committee meeting (Wednesday, March 20) - The Franconia District Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will host a community engagement meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20 at the Franconia District Station (6121 Franconia Rd., Franconia, VA 22310).
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Community Advisory Committee meeting (Thursday, March 14) - The McLean Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will host a community engagement meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101).
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Free car seat inspections (Saturday, March 23 & 30) - Come by the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, March 23 OR March 30, 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. Call the station at 703-556-7750 for questions.
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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. The program runs through April 15. Learn more and download the Intake Packet and other helpful paperwork here.
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Feminine supplies donations needed
March is Women’s History Month, and my BOS colleagues and I want to recognize the need for menstrual supplies around Fairfax 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 other Supervisors to host a feminine supplies drive through March 29 to collect essential menstrual products for our vulnerable community members. Donations made to our office will go to the Bailey's Crossroads Community Shelter.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, now through March 29
WHERE: Office of Supervisor Jimenez, Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
Learn more and view list of requested donation items.
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Mason District office accepting food donation drop-offs
Inventory at Annandale Christian Community for Action's food pantry is low and demand is at a record high. To help restock their shelves, our office is collecting food donations at the Mason District Government Center. 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
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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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Fight local hunger with Stuff the Bus!
Consider donating much-needed food items during Fairfax County's Stuff the Bus food drive. Donations can be made in Mason District from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, March 16 at Annandale Giant (7137 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). Donations will go to Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA). Learn more and see list of most requested items.
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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) can apply for academic scholarships through next month. Up to ten applicants will receive a $5,000 scholarship for postsecondary education including technical training. Applications will be available online from now through April 30. Learn more.
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New LDS survey assesses off-street parking
Land Development Services (LDS) launched a new Accessible Parking Survey to assess available off-street parking across Fairfax County. Responses will help provide an informed view of accessible parking while LDS considers and evaluates future options. Responses are anonymous. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and closes April 15. Please contact LDS at Michael.Davis@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-3065 or TTY 711 for questions.
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 next event will be held Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to Noon at the Gerry Hyland Government Center (8350 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22309). 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.
Health Department to offer Summer Reading Program
The Fairfax County Health Department Speech and Hearing team will host a summer reading program. The program will help school-age children (ages 5 to 21), who have a diagnosis of dyslexia develop language and reading skills. The program involves an initial evaluation, developing a personalized treatment plan, and multiple meetings each week. The cost is $88 per session. Fairfax County residents may qualify for a sliding scale payment. Medicaid is accepted. Registration deadline is April 15. Learn more.
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Check your deck!
Land Development Services (LDS) urges residents to consider deck safety as we approach warmer weather. Collapses and failures of decks, porches and balconies accounted for about 2,900 injuries between 2016 and 2019, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The North American Deck and Railing Association offers a checklist reviewing critical deck safety elements. LDS offers helpful links about applying for deck permits:
Give your feedback on Fairfax County park equity
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The Fairfax County Park Authority launched a new Equity Survey to help understand residents' experiences with the park system. The survey aims to identify potential barriers preventing folks from taking full advantage of recreational opportunities. The survey is 20 questions and takes 5-7 minutes to complete. It is available in nine languages. Responses are anonymous. The survey closes April 1.
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LDS launches new Education & Outreach webpage
Land Development Services (LDS) launched a new Education & Outreach Events webpage to make it easier for residents to find upcoming LDS-related events. The page also includes a request form to set up a LDS education and outreach event in your area. Learn more.
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Free caregiver webinar to focus on dementia
This session will educate caregivers on how neurodegenerative disease can be a stressful time for the brain. When the brain experiences stress, it can manifest as depression, anxiety, insomnia, hallucinations, or delusions. Understanding why someone might be experiencing these behavioral changes can help family caregivers better help them. This virtual session will be held from Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 20. Learn more.
Dominion Energy to begin construction at Wescott Substation
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Dominion Energy sent construction notices to residents near the Wescott Substation off Rose Lane in Falls Church. The work is part of Dominion's Grid Transformation plan. Starting in Spring, there will be increased construction activity and foot traffic in the area until the project is completed in Fall 2025. Learn 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 (which ends Saturday, March 9) to provide resources so folks can understand their consumer rights, avoid fraud and scams, and make informed consumer decisions. Learn more.
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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Association of Soil & Water Conservation Districts offers scholarships to students
The Educational Foundation of the Virginia Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts annually offers four scholarships to graduating high school seniors or college freshmen studying areas related to natural resource conservation. Four $2,000 scholarships are available statewide, and Fairfax County students need to submit an application to the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District by April 1. Another $1,000 Future Conservation Leaders Scholarship is available through NVSWCD and will be awarded to one recipient. Learn more.
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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SAVE THE DATE: Earth Day Events!
Eileen Garnett Civic Space Earth Day Celebration
Are you looking to learn more about being a good friend to our planet? Join the Eileen Garnett Civic Space Earth Day Celebration! Save the date for Saturday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Annandale Pop-Up Park (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). Learn more.
Clean Fairfax Earth Daze
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Warmer temperatures remind us that Spring is right around the corner, and that means Clean Fairfax's Earth Daze annual event is almost here! Save the date for Sunday, April 28, at Aslin Beer Co. in Herndon. There will be lots of family-friendly activities, vendors, and music. Learn more about Clean Fairfax.
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