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Good morning!
I hope this edition of Mason Matters finds you well. I'm excited to share that today I'm officially announcing the formation of a Greener Mason Advisory Committee! This group will include residents who want to help identify ways to protect our environment in Mason District. Dr. Ken Sandler, a Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Policy with over 30 years’ experience in the sustainability and green building field, will serve as the committee chair. Please contact our office if you're interested in joining.
A vacant burned building in Annandale was the subject of many constituent concerns since I took office, and I’d like to provide an update: Last week, crews were on-site removing debris from what remains of the building in the 7000 block of Columbia Pike. I’d like to thank the Department of Code Compliance and Fairfax County staffers who kept our office apprised of the situation.
I’d like to invite you to Culmore Community Day, one of Mason District’s most exciting cultural events. This year’s Culmore Day is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 4 at the Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church. This FREE event is family-friendly and will feature food, music, dancing, live animals, and countless County and community resources. I hope to see you there!
Finally, you may notice some changes in our newsletter this week as we work with County staff to make Mason Matters more accessible for our community. Additionally, we’ve added “Mason on the Move,” a section devoted to updates and notices related to transportation in Mason District and Fairfax County. If you have questions or suggestions for our newsletter, please direct them to our Communications Director.
I often say that I can’t do this work in a vacuum; our community’s strength lies in our diversity and wide range of experiences. One of my priorities is to meet Mason District constituents where they’re at. We want to hear from you and connect with your community. If you have a HOA meeting you’d like us to attend or a newsletter we can contribute to, please don’t hesitate to contact my office directly at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or by calling 703-256-7717.
Thank you for subscribing to Mason Matters!
My best,
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 Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Eileen Garnett Civic Space Earth Day Celebration (Saturday, April 27)
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!
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)
Culmore Community Day (Saturday, May 4)
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 the community together, celebrates the diversity that makes us strong and connects residents with resources. This FREE event will feature live music, food, dancing, live animals, and 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
KORUS Festival 2024 (May 3-5)
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and immerse yourself in a three-day cultural extravaganza featuring talent shows, K-pop concerts, live music, and dancing. Other resources will be available along with a job fair. The KORUS Festival is hosted by the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area.
WHEN: May 3 - 5 (Friday - Sunday), times vary
WHERE: K-Market parking lot (4251 John Marr Dr., Annandale, VA 22003)
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 Each year, AARP volunteers across Virginia host free tax aide clinics to assist low- and mid-level income folks as well as seniors with their taxes. We learned this week that volunteers at the Mason District Tax Aide helped nearly 1,700 people with their taxes!
I want to recognize and celebrate these folks who took time to be here on early mornings, late nights, and even weekends to help their neighbors. The volunteers pictured are part of just one shift of the whole group, which has dozens of members. Thank you to everyone who participated!
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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 (From left to right, top to bottom) Menstrual supply donations collected through Sup. Jimenez’s office; meeting with residents from the Lincolnia Senior Center; observing the eclipse with staff; discussing district priorities with the Virginia Latino Advisory Board.
‘Art in Daily Spaces’ gallery opening
Mason District is home to countless talented artists, and we were thrilled to showcase some of those artists at last weekend’s opening reception of “Art in Daily Spaces!” at the Mason District Government Center. This hyper-local collaborative exhibit runs through May 12 at locations across Annandale and is hosted by Community Art for Everyone Inc. and ArtsFairfax. Learn more.
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Food bank distribution in Bailey’s Crossroads
It’s no secret that working families are struggling right now. To help bridge the gap in the region, Columbia Baptist Church’s Spend Yourself Food Pantry and Gardens distributes food to our community members who need a helping hand. I got to spend some time Saturday morning chatting with recipients of some of these food items. It’s clear that there’s a real need for these donations, and I’m so appreciative of Columbia Baptist Church and the Capital Area Food Bank for all they do to help our neighbors in need. Please consider donating food items to this cause or volunteering your time. Learn more.
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Guest reader at Head Start program
There’s no better way to celebrate Earth Month than reading about nature with future conservationists! I got to join the Head Start students at Higher Horizons during their guest reader program. We got to read “Waiting for Wings,” the story of a butterfly’s journey from caterpillar to full-grown butterfly adult. Thank you Higher Horizons for inviting me and letting me share my passion for the environment with your students!
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Healthy Minds Fairfax gallery opening
As a father to two young girls, I often worry about youth mental health. I along with Chairman Jeff McKay and Franconia Supervisor Rodney Lusk were simply inspired by the brave artwork displayed at Healthy Minds Fairfax Art Gallery opening. The event featured pieces sharing the artists’ journeys with mental health struggles and was organized by FCPS, JSSA, and the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board. Thank you to the young artists who bravely displayed their pieces and shared a small part of their journey with us.
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Mason Works
Information for businesses & job seekers
DEADLINE: $10k small business grant application due April 30
Fairfax County’s THRIVE grant awards small businesses with up to $10,000 in consulting services. Applications are due Tuesday, April 30. Learn more.
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NEEDED: Bilingual community members for Election Day workers
The Fairfax County Office of Elections is seeking bilingual community members to serve as election officers for the June 18 election. In particular, bilingual officers who speak Korean and Vietnamese are needed. Workers will receive $250 compensation. Learn more.
Upcoming events for entrepreneurs, job seekers, employers, and small business owners:
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Why every LLC needs an operating agreement (Tuesday, April 23 online) - Learn what an operating agreement is and why it protects from future liability.
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Budgeting overview (Wednesday, April 24 online) - Learn how to maintain a budget.
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TalentUp Fairfax virtual info session (Friday, April 26 online) - TalentUp Fairfax helps businesses find qualified workers for jobs in high-demand fields.
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Registering your business in VA & DC (Tuesday, April 30 online) - Walks you through steps that are needed and outlines processes of becoming a legal business entity.
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Financing your small business (Wednesday, May 1 online) - Learn about the types of business financing, strategies for your bank presentation, and common mistakes.
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KORUS Festival Job Fair (Friday, May 3 through Sunday, May 5 in Annandale) - The KORUS Festival is the largest festival in the DMV area and attracts more than 50,000 visitors over three days.
Local organizations offer FREE keynote speakers
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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. 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 Bureau - 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. Learn more.
Events & volunteer opportunities
HAPPENING NOW: Art in Daily Spaces pop-up galleries across Annandale
This hyper-local program transforms local retail and business spaces into temporary art galleries featuring local artists. The event runs through Sunday, May 12 at multiple locations across Annandale. Learn more.
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HAPPENING NOW: George Mason Regional Library Friends Book Sale!
George Mason Regional Library Friends is hosting their popular semi-annual book sale through Sunday, April 21. The general sale is free and will feature a wide variety of high-quality used books, CDs and DVDs.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. through Sunday, April 21
WHERE: George Mason Regional Library (7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003)
LEARN MORE
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NEXT WEEK: Pop-up pottery sale
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 NVCC. This rain-or-shine event features pottery handcrafted by teachers and students. All proceeds benefit the Annandale Ceramics Program.
WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24
WHERE: Annandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College (8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003)
LEARN MORE
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NEXT WEEKEND: Bailey’s Crossroads & Seven Corners highway cleanup
Join C3 for a highway cleanup in the Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners area. Volunteers need to be at least 18 and must RSVP by Monday, April 22 to ensure there are enough supplies.
WHEN: 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27
WHERE: Meet at the intersection of Castle Road and Leesburg Pike
RSVP: By Monday, April 22 by emailing crossroadscorners@gmail.com
NEXT WEEKEND: Poetry in the Parks kicks off in Mason
Fairfax County’s Poetry in the Parks kicks off next weekend with an event in Mason District. Join us for a poetry reading featuring several prominent DMV authors.
WHEN:1 to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 27
WHERE: Green Spring Gardens (4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312)
LEARN MORE
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NEXT WEEKEND: Earth Daze hosted by Clean Fairfax
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. on Sunday, April 28
WHERE: Aslin Beer Company (767 Elden St., Herndon, VA 20170)
RSVP: Via Facebook Events
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NEXT MONTH: KORUS Festival
Celebrate AAPI Heritage Month and immerse yourself in a three-day cultural extravaganza featuring talent shows, K-pop concerts, live music, and dancing. Other resources will be available along with a job fair. The KORUS Festival is hosted by the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan Area.
WHEN: May 3 - 5 (Friday - Sunday), times vary
WHERE: K-Market parking lot (4251 John Marr Dr., Annandale, VA 22003)
LEARN MORE
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NEXT MONTH: Annandale Farmers Market opens for season
WHEN: 8 a.m. to Noon on Thursdays beginning May 2
WHERE: Mason District Park (6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
LEARN MORE
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The latest environmental news in Mason
Free solar panel assessments for Fairfax County residents
Solarize Virginia will host an online webinar for Fairfax County residents interested in switching to solar panels. The program is managed by the nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and will feature info about Solarize Virginia, benefits of solar energy, and the process of switching to solar.
WHEN: 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7
WHERE: Online via Zoom
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Register for Bike to Work Day
Cyclists from across the region will take to the streets on Friday, May 17, as part of the Council of Government’s Washington Area Bicyclist Association’s Bike to Work Day. This event is open to all skill levels and includes dozens of pit stops in Mason District, Fairfax County, and the Greater Metropolitan Washington area. Lots of pit stops will have free giveaways, so be sure to register your spot, plot your route, and learn about the benefits of biking to work. Learn more.
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Free litter cleanup supplies available
Clean Fairfax Council offers resources including free cleanup supplies for individuals, community groups, businesses, schools, or anyone who wants to pitch in. Request supplies online. Learn more.
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Want to lower your utility bills?
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 other upgrades. Learn more.
Exciting news & events for families & students
Summer Camps
NCS offers camps for all ages
No matter your student's age, NCS has a 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. Wednesday, May 1. Learn more.
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George Mason University offers summer programs
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.
THIS WEEKEND: FCPS 2024 Family Summit
The annual FCPS Family Summit is free and open to all families, educators, and community members in the FCPS division. The goal of the event is to ensure the safety, support, and inclusion of every member of the school community.
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 20
WHERE: George C. Marshall High School (7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043)
Register: Online
DEADLINE: Application for affordable housing student scholarships due April 30
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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Environmental Quality Advisory Council seeking student member
The Fairfax County Environmental Quality Advisory Council (EQAC) is seeking a student member to join the council for its upcoming term. This student will help EQAC make recommendations to the Board of Supervisors for improving and protecting Fairfax County’s environment. Interested high school Sophomores and Juniors are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is Monday, May 6. Learn more.
Nominations, contests & more
Nominate Fairfax County’s next Poet Laureate
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. The application period is open and a virtual info session will be held from Noon to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23. Learn more.
Seeking artists for Mason District Art Advisory Committee
Mason District is seeking artists to serve on the Mason District Art Advisory Committee, a hyper-local version of Fairfax County’s Master Arts Plan. This committee is volunteer and helps identify opportunities for art across the district. Please email Christine.Delta@fairfaxcounty.gov if you’re interested.
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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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).
An upcoming project in the area between the Idylwood and Falls Church substations will likely affect traffic. Dominion Energy issued a notice to community members alerting them to the work, which is scheduled for late April through August. Learn more.
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Fairfax Families for Safer Streets offers a guide for people navigating Fairfax County Department of Transportation’s Residential Traffic Administration Program (RTAP). The RTAP program works directly with communities to enhance neighborhood traffic safety. Learn more.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) is inviting public input on projects in its Six Year Program. The projects total nearly $1 billion, and 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. Provide feedback.
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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 (Saturday, April 27) – 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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- Mason District Station launched a new quarterly newsletter for folks to stay updated on upcoming events, district news, and crime stats. Sign up here.
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Neighborhood Watch training (Thursday, April 25) - Empowering our community with knowledge and skills to enhance safety and vigilance. Join us to learn proactive strategies and build a stronger, safer neighborhood together. The training will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 25 at the Mason District Station.
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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, May 18) - Come by the Mason District Station (6705 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22033) to get your car seat inspected Saturday, May 18 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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Coffee with a Cop (Monday, May 22) - Bring your friends and family to grab a coffee and chat with officers from your local unit. Officers will be available from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, May 22 at Target (6100 Arlington Blvd., Falls Church, VA 22044).
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Free car seat inspections (Saturday, April 20 & 27) - Come by the Franconia District Station (6121 Franconia Rd., Franconia, VA 22310) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, April 20 OR April 27 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. Learn more.
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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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Senior safety summit (Wednesday, April 24) - Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones from scams and fraud. This event is free of charge and open to everyone. Join us from 10 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday, April 24 at the McLean Community Center (1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, VA 22101).
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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 (Tuesday, May 7) - The West Springfield Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will host a community engagement meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7 at the West Springfield Station (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152). This month’s guest speaker is from the special weapons and tactics team.
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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.
The annual AARP Virginia and Fairfax County Silver Shield Task Force Scam Jam event will feature free shredding services for attendees this month. A shredding truck will be on-site for part of the event, which will feature guest speakers, information on how to spot scams, how to report scams, as well as info from representatives of the American Bankers Association and FBI cybersecurity experts. Exhibits and free resources will be available.
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, April 19 (shred truck on-site from Noon to 3 p.m.)
WHERE: Fairfax County Government Center (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035)
RSVP: All participants must register. Learn more.
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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. on 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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Fairfax County's Annual Fair Housing Event (Thursday, April 25 in Fairfax) - Join discussions about affirmatively furthering fair housing best practices during this 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.
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Webinar on crafting a vision board (Friday, May 3 online) - Get step-by-step instructions, tips, and inspiration to help you craft a vision board from a certified life coach. This webinar is free and open to family caregivers, older adults, adults with a disability, professionals, and the community-at-large.
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Children’s mental health acceptance event to recognize Pride (Friday, May 3 in Falls Church) - This event is dedicated to promoting children's mental health and fostering a culture of acceptance. While directed towards youth ages 13-18, this event is a great opportunity for parents, educators, and community members to gain valuable insights and foster allyship. There will be food, giveaways, panel discussions, and various mental wellness activities
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Youth fentanyl prevention webinar (Tuesday, May 7) - Learn about empowering youth to stay safe from fentanyl during this FREE webinar. This moderated discussion will feature the latest updates on the fentanyl crisis and best practices for prevention education.
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- Annandale Today (April 15, 2024)
- Fairfax Now (April 10, 2024)
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