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A Note from Andres
Good evening!
I hope you and your family have enjoyed a restful and safe Spring Break! I want to extend a huge thank you to the folks who attended last week's Proposed Budget Town Hall. We received helpful feedback from our community, and I'm appreciative of everyone who took the time to join us in person and online. If you couldn't make it, there's still time to submit feedback about Fairfax County's Proposed FY 2025 Budget! See below for details and to watch video from the event.
If you're not already following us on social media, please consider doing so. You can find us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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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 Join Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez and the Eileen Garnett Civic Space for an Earth Day Celebration! This event is FREE and will feature nature walks, clean-ups, volunteer opportunities, crafts, kids' activities, food trucks, and lots more! Learn more.
WHAT: Earth Day Celebration
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27
WHERE: Annandale Pop-Up Park (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
 Join us for the Fairfax County Park Authority's annual Culmore Community Day! This event is a multicultural celebration by the global community of the Bailey’s Crossroads and Culmore. The event brings community together, celebrates the diversity that makes us strong and connects residents with resources. This FREE event will feature live music, dancing, live animals, a mobile medical clinic, and more! Learn more.
WHAT: Culmore Community Day
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4
WHERE: Woodrow Wilson Library (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041)
WANT TO VOLUNTEER? Sign up online
 Are you ready for next week's eclipse? North America is set for a total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8. While Fairfax County is outside the "path of totality," we'll still get a viewable event (weather permitting!) between 2 and 4:30 p.m. The maximum eclipse will occur around 3:20 p.m. We've put together a list of helpful eclipse resources:
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 Mobile Consulate helps dozens of families connect with county services, resources
I'm excited to share that our office's first Mobile Consulate event was a success and helped connect dozens of immigrant community members with resources. The El Salvadoran Mobile Consulate was held Saturday, March 23, at the Willston Multicultural Center in Falls Church. Folks were able to get assistance with embassy paperwork, chat with several Fairfax County agencies, and connect with organizations specializing in their issue areas.
A top concern my office regularly hears from constituents is accessibility of government services for our immigrant community. The division of resources between various government levels and public/private organizations are tough to navigate, especially with a language barrier. A big goal of mine is to meet folks where they're at and expand accessibility for resources that already exist.
Our collaborative solution was to bring the embassy directly to the community. We've received lots of great feedback from folks and plan to coordinate similar events with other Consulates. This event was only possible thanks to the hard work and dedication from organizations including the Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Public Schools, the Fairfax County Health Department, Hispanics Against Child Abuse & Neglect (HACAN) and, of course, the El Salvadoran Consulate. I'd also like to thank Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill for attending.
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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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 Top row: The Northern Virginia Association of Realtors' annual Politics & Pancakes breakfast on Thursday, April 4. Sup. Jimenez with NVAR Appointed Director Mary Bowen (left) and Joshua Veverka (right) Sr. Director of Government Affairs.
Bottom row: A tour of Green Spring Gardens hosted by Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) on Thursday, March 28.
An Iftar dinner at Dar Al-Hijrah
The practice of breaking bread in celebration of community transcends all cultures. Thank you Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center for hosting me and the Fairfax County Police Department at last week's Iftar dinner. I look forward to continuing building connections with the community - hopefully over similarly delicious meals!
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Ribbon Cutting at Night Watch Urgent Care
As a father to two young girls, I know firsthand how quickly things can escalate when it comes to a kid getting sick. Even the most highly organized family units are disrupted when parents need to take time off work to bring their children to the doctor. Having medical facilities available close to home in the evening hours is a huge asset in our community. Thank you to the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce and Falls Church City Council for allowing me to join the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Falls Church Night Watch Pediatric & Adult Urgent Care location in Mason District!
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Mason District Proposed Budget Town Hall
Thank you to everyone who came out to last week's Mason District Budget Town Hall! In addition to the folks who attended in-person, we were joined by lots of folks online who participated in our livestream Q&A. If you were unable to tune in online, you can watch the Town Hall recording on our Mason District website. There's still time to give your feedback on the FY 2025 Proposed Budget! See below for more information and how to send questions or concerns.
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Join us for an opening reception next weekend to kick off the "Art in Daily Spaces" groundbreaking exhibition. The program is organized by Community Art for Everyone and is sponsored by ArtsFairfax. It transforms local retail and other establishments into temporary art galleries. The reception is open to the public from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 13 at the Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). Learn more.
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Fairfax CORE here to help local entrepreneurs
A new portal by Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiatives connects local entrepreneurs with resources. With Fairfax CORE, businesses in all stages of development can search for and connect with the right information or expert at the right time. More than 115 local support organizations, comprehensive guides and education events are all at their fingertips. Learn more.
Upcoming Fairfax CORE events:
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Poetry in the Parks kicks off with Mason event
Fairfax County’s Poetry in the Parks, a community engagement program created by Fairfax County Poet Laureate Danielle Badra, kicks off this month with an event in Mason District. Join us for a poetry reading featuring several prominent DMV authors from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Green Spring Gardens (4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312). Learn more.
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Got talent? TalentUp Fairfax helps businesses fill hard-to-recruit jobs
TalentUp Fairfax helps Fairfax County businesses find qualified workers for temporary and permanent job positions in high-demand occupations. A virtual info session will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 26. Learn more.
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George Mason Regional Library Friends Book Sale is back!
George Mason Regional Library Friends will host their ever-popular, semi-annual book sale from Wednesday, April 17, through Sunday, April 21. A preview sale will be held Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. with an entry fee of $20 per adult. The general sale will be held from Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily with no fee. The book sale will take place at the library located at the George Mason Regional Library (7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003) and will feature a wide variety of high-quality used books, CDs and DVDs. Learn more.
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NoVa Community College pottery sale starts soon!
Find a great selection of artisan ceramics just in time for Mother's Day at this one-day popup sale on the Annandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College (8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003). This is a rain-or-shine event from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. Pottery is handcrafted by teachers or students and all proceeds benefit the Annandale Ceramics Program. Learn more.
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Summer Camp registration is open!
NCS offers camps for all ages
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 is ongoing. Learn more.
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Traveling Players to hold summer camp virtual open house
Interested in Traveling Players summer camps? Check out the virtual info session! Artistic Director Jeanne Harrison and Thespian Director Morgan Shotwell will answer your questions about our programs, sleepaway camps, and what makes Traveling Players joyous, artistically challenging, and a place for friendships to flourish! The open house will run from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 8. Learn more.
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George Mason University offers summer programs
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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EV charging station installation funding extended!
The Board of Supervisors extended exempting all electrical and building permit fees for installation of electric vehicle charging stations. The exemption was set to expire on May 1 but was extended through October 2025. Information about permit and zoning requirements are available online. Learn more.
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Help keep Fairfax clean for Spring!
Now that Spring has sprung, you can help keep Fairfax County beautiful by volunteering to pick up litter. Clean Fairfax Council offers resources including free cleanup supplies for individuals, community groups, businesses, schools, or anyone who wants to pitch in. Learn more.
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SAVE THE DATE: Clean Fairfax Earth Daze
Clean Fairfax's Earth Daze celebration is back with local vendors, face painting, axe throwing, a rock wall and more! Come learn about environmental stewardship, sustainability, and the various programs offered by Clean Fairfax.
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 28
WHERE: Aslin Beer Company (767 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170)
RSVP: Via Facebook Events
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Need a keynote speaker? These organizations are here to help!
George Mason University Speakers Program
More than 100 professors, researchers, and administrators have volunteered to provide FREE lectures and presentations for community organizations and businesses through Mason Speakers. You can request a speaker for specific topics or categories online. Organizations can submit up to three requests annually. Learn more.
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Clean Fairfax Speakers Program
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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Poet Laureate applications opens this month
The search is on for Fairfax County's 2024-2027 Poet Laureate! The Poet Laureate program is a partnership between Fairfax County and ArtsFairfax that recognizes the importance of poetry and literary arts in the community. The application period opens Monday, April 15. A virtual info session will be held from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23. Learn more.
THRIVE accepting applications through April
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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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.
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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
Get rid of unused prescriptions on Drug Take Back Day – Residents can safely dispose of unwanted medications during the countywide DEA National Drug Take Back Day. Drop-off locations will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 at various locations across Fairfax County. Please note that certain items will not be accepted, including illegal drugs, vaping devices, ointments, and pet medications. Learn more.
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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, April 13)- Come by the Mason District Station (6705 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22033) to get your car seat inspected Saturday, April 13 from 9:30 a.m. to Noon. 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. Learn more.
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SAVE THE DATE: Annandale Town Hall Meeting (Thursday, April 18) - Concerned about drugs and crime in your neighborhood? Share you concerns with representatives from the Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Public Schools, social services agencies, and the Office of Supervisor Andres Jimenez during an Annandale Town Hall Meeting. Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will run from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18 at the Heritage Human Services Building (7611 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003). Please direct questions to NLopez@facetscares.org or call 703-375-9602.
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Personal safety presentation (Saturday, April 13)- Officers from the West Springfield District Station will be present a personal safety lecture at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 13, in the community room of the West Springfield Government Center (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152). 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. No registration necessary. Please direct questions to MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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Scout Night (Tuesday, April 16) - 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, April 20)- Come by the West Springfield Station (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, April 20, 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 Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov. Learn more.
- We also have car seat inspections, by appointment, every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Please call the station at 703-644-7377 and press 0 (zero) to schedule an appointment on those days.
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Community Advisory Committee meeting (Thursday, April 11) - The McLean Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will host a community engagement meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 at the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101). This month’s guest speaker is from the Digital Forensics department.
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Free car seat inspections (Saturday, April 20 & 27) - Come by the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, April 20 OR April 27, 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. Learn more.
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 Free shredding truck scheduled for Scam Jam
The annual AARP Virginia and Fairfax County Silver Shield Task Force Scam Jam event will feature free shredding services for attendees this month. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 19 at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035). A shredding truck will be on-site from Noon to 3 p.m. The event will feature guest speakers, information on how to spot scams, and how to report them. You will also hear from representatives of the American Bankers Association and FBI cybersecurity experts. Exhibits and free resources will be available to help you protect yourself and warn others. All participants must register. Learn more.
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Health Fair to offer free health, dental resources
FREE health and dental resources will be available at a family-friendly Health Fair hosted by Higher Horizons. The event will feature HIV testing, covid screenings, vaccines, dental and health info, face painting, music, and more.
WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, April 20
WHERE: (5920 A Summers Ln., Falls Church, VA 22041)
QUESTIONS? Email Ashley.Willis@higherhorizons.org or call 703-820-2457.
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April Code Compliance Corner available online
The Department of Code Compliance posts its monthly Code Compliance Corner on its website to help residents stay updated on the latest helpful Code-related developments. This month's edition includes info about donation drop-box zoning ordinances. Learn more.
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Solarize NOVA launches FREE solar panel assessment program
Solarize NOVA is an outreach program that helps connect residents with information about residential solar panels. The program is part of the larger Solarize Virginia campaign, managed by the nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP). The campaign, now in its tenth year, launched April 1 and runs through June 30. Solarize Virginia will host a webinar from Noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. Learn more.
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Over 259,000 children live in Fairfax County; and in FY 2023, more than 3,700 of those children were involved with Child Protective Services. Child abuse and neglect cuts across all demographic areas and impacts our entire community. This year's theme for National Child Abuse Prevention Month is Family Matters. The Department of Family Services offers lots of resources including FAQs about child abuse reporting, parenting tips and a community engagement toolkit. Learn more.
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 Monday, April 15. Learn more and download the Intake Packet and other helpful paperwork here.
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IRS launches Direct File
The IRS launched a new tax filing service that allows people to file their taxes for free directly with the IRS. Filing seasons ends Monday, April 15. Certain eligibility requirements apply. Learn more.
Give your feedback on NoVa's transportation network
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is inviting public input on 24 candidate projects as part of the Six Year Program. Nine Northern Virginia localities and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) submitted project applications for projects totaling nearly $1 billion. Several proposals are in Mason District and the surrounding areas. The requests include transit, rail, roadway enhancements, transportation technology, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure upgrades, as well as intersection and interchange improvements.
- Learn about NVTA's Six Year Program
- Provide feedback through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, May 19
- Online using the public feedback form
- By phone: 703-947-7606
- By mail: NVTA Office (2600 Park Tower Dr., Suite 601, Vienna, VA 22180)
- During the hybrid public hearing at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9:
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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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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 April. Up to ten applicants will receive a $5,000 scholarship for postsecondary education including technical training. Applications will be available online from now through Tuesday, 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 Monday, April 15. Please contact LDS at Michael.Davis@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-3065 or TTY 711 for questions.
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 Monday, April 15. Learn more.
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County seeking feedback on affordable housing programs
Fairfax County is seeking feedback on proposed changes to the For-Sale Workforce Dwelling Units Policy and Programs. The changes would involve shifting affordability thresholds for participants, expanding the bedroom mix for units, and extending geographic applicability to certain properties outside development centers. The Draft Plan Text is available online and folks can provide feedback through Sunday, April 7. Learn more.
Free virtual dementia caregiver sessions
The Fairfax Area Agency on Aging’s Caregiver & Supportive Services Unit will host a series of virtual webinars for family caregivers and loved ones who have been diagnosed with dementia or cognitive impairment. The webinars are free and will be recorded. Registration is required. The first webinar will take place from Noon to 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17. Learn more.
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.
Save the Date: Annual Housing Fair
Interested in housing issues and plans? Join an in-person event hosted by the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs, in partnership with the Equal Rights Center and the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors. The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25 at the Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035). 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. Please note that photo ID is required.
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Need to report a VDOT issue?
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has an easy way for residents to report road problems. Visit my.vdot.virginia.gov to use their interactive report tool or call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623).
NOTICE: VDOT/FCDOT to hold public hearings on announced repaving program
Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced proposed roadway changes as part of the 2024 Paving and Restriping program. The repaving program can include limited bike lane, shoulder and crosswalk improvements with signage and markings. A full list of the proposals is available online. FCDOT will hold community meetings virtually and will record and post all the meetings online after that are held. Please note that no additional roads can be added to the preliminary 2024 paving schedule at this point. Learn more.
Proposed changes in Mason District and surrounding areas:
- Bike lanes on Heming Avenue between Heming Place and Braddock Road
- Crosswalk improvements at Heming Avenue and Hogarth Street
- Crosswalk improvements at Heming Ave and Elgar Street
- Crosswalk improvements at Heming Ave and Axton Street
Public comment meeting: Thursday, April 11 at 7 p.m. Register online.
NOTICE: Dominion Energy encourages customers to prepare for Spring storms
Storm preparation is a year-round process for Dominion Energy. Dominion encourages residents to prepare for Spring weather by signing up for outage and storm alerts, checking generator connections, having a plan for inclement weather, and stocking up on emergency supplies. And remember, always STAY AWAY FROM DOWNED POWER LINES. Lean more.
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