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Good evening!
I hope this edition of Mason Matters finds you well. I want to highlight two items in our newsletter:
Believe it or not, it’s time to vote (again). As you know, Virginia has elections every year, and our next Election Day is Tuesday, June 18. Most importantly, a fire at a Mason District voting location resulted in an emergency temporary polling location change for Edsall precinct voters. See the notice below for details and make a plan to cast your ballot.
I’m excited to introduce our new “Mason Arts” newsletter section. You can check it out for the latest news and events that help make Mason District the ‘cultural hub’ of Fairfax County.
This is a busy time for folks as we head into summer, so be sure to follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn as we share stories (and more pictures!) from Mason District.
Thank you for following along. As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
My best,
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 Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Important reminder for Edsall Precinct voters:
Edsall precinct voters who normally vote at St. John’s Methodist Church will vote at Poe Middle School (7000 Cindy Ln., Annandale, VA 22003) for the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 18. This is an emergency temporary relocation due to a fire at the church. Edsall voters may receive a polling place notification in the mail in multiple languages. Signage at the church also will direct voters to the temporary precinct on Election Day. Questions can be directed to the Fairfax County Office of Elections by calling 703-222-0776, emailing voting@fairfaxcounty.gov, or visiting fairfaxcounty.gov/elections.
Cast your ballot during Early Voting!
Early Voting is on for the June 18 Primary Election. You can cast your ballot at one of the multiple EV locations across Fairfax County, but voting times and locations vary. Please note that the Mason District Government Center does not open for Early Voting until Saturday, June 8. Learn more.
CHECK MY VOTING INFO
VIEW SAMPLE BALLOTS
IN-PERSON EARLY VOTING
VOTING BY MAIL
REMEMBER: ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, JUNE 18! Make sure you’re in line at your correct polling place by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
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Save the Date
Join the Fairfax Library Foundation for a FREE event kicking off the Fairfax Library’s Summer Reading Program! There will be games, crafts, a mini zoo, face painting, food trucks, music, and more! This program encourages young readers to continue their enthusiasm for reading through summer vacation.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 15
WHERE: Woodrow Wilson Library (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041)
Join the Friends of Green Spring (FROGS) for this FREE, family-friendly concert in the garden. Bring a blanket, lawn chair, and picnic dinner to enjoy on the garden lawn. We hope to see you there!
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, June 20
WHERE: Green Spring Gardens (4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, VA 22312)
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Top row, left to right: Meeting constituents at the Asian Heritage Month celebration in Annandale, chatting with parents at the May 19 Healthy Together Fairfax celebrity reader event, meeting residents and staff at Goodwin House Senior Living in Falls Church. Bottom row: touring ACCA’s Child Development Center in Annandale.
Local business spotlight: L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
It's Small Business Month and I'm thrilled to highlight a few Mason District locations starting with L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Annandale! Michael Wu is a 4th-generation restaurant owner and an Annandale High School alumnus. When I asked why he chose Mason District for the first L&L Hawaiian Barbecue location in Northern Virginia, Michael simply smiled and said, "This is home." Check out L&L's website for info on their beer garden, bubble tea, and (of course) their delicious BBQ selection. Thank you, Michael, for sharing your small business journey and lunch!
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Boy Scouts Induction Ceremony
I’m always so encouraged after spending time with our youth organizations here in Mason District. It was a great night for Annandale’s Boy Scout Troop 150 last week as they inducted 22 new members, presented two Eagle Scout advancements, and celebrated several leadership awards. Thank you for sharing your Scout Spirit and vision for your ‘Scouting Summit!’
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Mason Works
Information for businesses & job seekers
NEEDED: Bilingual community members for Election Day workers
The Fairfax County Office of Elections is looking for community members to serve as election officers for the June 18 election. In particular, bilingual officers who speak Korean and Vietnamese are needed. This is a paid position. Learn more.
Upcoming events for entrepreneurs, job seekers, employers, and small business owners:
Are you hiring? Connect with George Mason University students
George Mason University’s Career Services provides you access to well-qualified applicants. Mason students and alumni possess the latest industry knowledge and in-demand transferable and technical skills. Post your job or internship, attend a career fair, or interview students on campus. Learn more.
Things to Do
Events & volunteer opportunities
THIS WEEKEND: Animal habitat hunt & explore
Join a guided hike at the Hidden Oaks Nature Center. Meet live animals and learn how the forest is a habitat for many creatures. This event is for children ages 3 and adults. Registration is required and costs $8. Learn more.
MORE EVENTS:
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Arts Corner
Exciting updates about Mason District arts
Where We Belong art contest celebrates Immigrant Heritage Month
Fairfax County youth are invited to submit art for the Where We Belong art contest! Winners will have their art displayed in a traveling exhibit and will receive a gift card. All submissions are due by Saturday, June 15. Learn more.
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ArtsFairfax grant applications open
ArtsFairfax’s newest grant program, Ticket and Participation Subsidy Grants, will fund free and reduced-price tickets, tuition, and transportation for performances, workshops, classes, and camps for people who may not have regular opportunities to experience the arts.
Applicants may request up to $5,000 for activities taking place before Sunday, June 30. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more.
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ArtsFairfax grant applications open
ArtsFairfax’s newest grant program, Ticket and Participation Subsidy Grants, will fund free and reduced-price tickets, tuition, and transportation for performances, workshops, classes, and camps for people who may not have regular opportunities to experience the arts. Applicants may request up to $5,000 for activities taking place before Sunday, June 30. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more.
Green Corner
The latest environmental news in Mason
Charge Up Fairfax brings home residential EV chargers
Community associations can apply for assistance getting residential EV charging stations through Charge Up Fairfax. This program offers tech assistance and partial reimbursement and is available to HOAs, condos, clusters, and co-ops. The application period ends Sunday, June 30. Learn more.
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Apply to be a Green Business Partner
Fairfax County’s new Green Business Partners program recognizes local businesses that advance climate action through sustainability and contributing to a carbon-neutral economy. Partner businesses will be recognized for their sustainability efforts and get the latest info on clean energy incentives. Learn more.
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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.
Join a free webinar on Solarize VA at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 3. Register online.
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Parents Corner
Exciting news & events for families & students
Free parenting classes
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services offers free parenting classes for children ages 0-4 and 5-11. The classes are held in-person and virtually each week beginning Tuesday, June 11.
Register your child
- Online registration is open for new and returning (re-enrolling) families to apply for students entering Kindergarten (00) through 12th grade for the 2023-2024 school year and 2024-2025 School year. Learn more.
- Parents can apply for PreK and Early Head Start programs for income-eligible children ages 6 weeks to 4 years. Learn more.
Summer Camps
Nominations, contests & more
Nominate a Champion of Character
The Stephen A. McLaughlin Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards program honors youth, coaches and parents for extraordinary service in pursuing victory with honor on and off the field of competition. Awards are presented to a male and female athlete, coach and parent in each supervisory district. Nominations are due by Thursday, August 1. Learn more.
Sponsorships for children’s literacy
The Fairfax Library Foundation is seeking sponsorships for its annual Children’s Summer Reading Festival. The festival encourages young readers to continue their reading enthusiasm during summer vacation and served a record-breaking 15,000 participants last year. Sponsorship levels range from $125 to $20,000. Interested sponsors can call 703-324-8300 or email events@fairfaxlibraryfoundation.org.
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“Outstanding” Park Authority employee nominations open
Cox Communications is seeking nominations of Fairfax County Park Authority employees in the first-ever “Outstanding Service to the Fairfax County Park System'' campaign. Folks can nominate an employee who shows their love for our incredible natural resources. Five nominees with the strongest or most memorable submissions will be awarded a $1,000 donation to the nonprofit of their choice from Cox and Cox Conserves. Learn more.
Nominate an environmental champion
The call for nominations for the 2024 Environmental Excellence Awards is open. These awards recognize individuals, organizations, businesses and county employees who went above and beyond to support the county’s environment. Nominees’ achievements should have occurred between June 1, 2023, and May 31, 2024, or over a period of years that include a portion of this time frame. Nominations must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 9. Learn more.
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).
Expect traffic, noise impacts during Idylwood-Falls Church Electric Transmission Maintenance Project
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 to take place now through August. Learn more.
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Give your feedback: Multiple organizations need public comment for NoVa transportation projects
Several organizations are seeking public feedback about transportation projects in and around Mason District. Some of these projects may affect your commute.
- A working group is seeking feedback about parking and transportation needs for Justice High School. The survey takes about 15 minutes and responses are confidential. The survey period closes Friday, May 31. Take the survey.
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Metro is seeking input on its 2025 Better Bus Network. Survey responses are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15. Take the survey.
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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 Disability First Responder and Safety Resource Fair - The Arc of Northern Virginia will host a resource fair for first responders to connect with people with disabilities. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with police and fire/rescue staff in a controlled environment, practicing scenarios like interacting with police in traffic stops or car accidents, as well as engaging with fire/rescue personnel in an ambulance, medical crisis or in a fire emergency. The FREE event will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 1 at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy (14601 Lee Rd., Chantilly, VA 20151). Register online.
- Donate your car to FCPD - The Fairfax County Police Department is currently accepting used vehicle donations to help train officers. Vehicles being donated should be drivable, have working seat belts, and the driver's seat must have a headrest. The agency accepts all types of vehicles, but SUVs and vans are especially welcome. Upon donation, owners are eligible for an immediate tax deduction based on the current Blue Book value. For more information, please contact MPO Michael Schmeltz at 703-818-1924 or Michael.Schmeltz@FairfaxCounty.gov.
- FCPD’s Mason District Station is working with the community to address parking concerns in the Culmore area. Items used to “save” parking spaces (like orange traffic cones) on public streets will be confiscated to allow fair access to all community members. You can stay updated on the latest initiatives like this by signing up for the Mason District Station’s new quarterly newsletter. Sign up here.
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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, June 8) - Come by the Mason District Station (6705 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22033) to get your car seat inspected Saturday, June 8 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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Free car seat inspections (Saturday, June 8) - Come by the Franconia District Station (6121 Franconia Rd., Franconia, VA 22310) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, June 8 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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Women’s Self-Defense Program (June 11-20) - Registration is open for the June Women's Self Defense Program, open to women only. All ages are welcome, but anyone age 13-17 must be accompanied by a registered female parent/guardian for all classes. Students must attend all four nights, which are June 11, 13, 18 and 20 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The classes are held at the Police Academy in Chantilly. This FREE program teaches essential crime prevention, personal safety and situational awareness information followed by (optional) hands-on self-defense practice. Learn more.
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Free car seat inspections (Saturday, June 22) - Come by the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, June 22 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 car seat inspection (Tuesdays) - Come by the West Springfield Station (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152) to get your car seat inspected from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays. Please call the station at 703-644-7377 and press 0 (zero) to schedule an appointment on those days.
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Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) (Thursday, May 30) - This lecture will help participants learn about attackers, disaster response, and how to prepare for and respond to being trapped in a building during an active violence event. The event will be held in-person from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 30 at the West Springfield District Station community room (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA). While the training is open to anyone, the material shown may be disturbing.
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Senior citizens can take free college courses at GMU
George Mason University offers senior citizens FREE opportunities to explore lifelong learning endeavors. Eligible Virginia residents aged 60 and older may enroll for credit in university courses through the Nondegree Studies Program without paying tuition. Eligibility is based on income. All senior citizens, 60 and older, may also audit (enroll but not receive credit) classes for free. Learn more.
Land Development Services
Plan Forward project seeks feedback on land development policies
Fairfax County launched a new project to update its land development policies. Plan Forward focuses specifically on the Policy Plan which is a component of the Comprehensive Plan, the county’s long-term vision for land use. These policies affect important issues like land use, housing, sustainability, transportation, and our quality of life. Learn more at one of the upcoming virtual or in-person info sessions.
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Do you have a private water well?
It’s important to test your well water annually to check for potential water contamination. Homeowners also should test their well water if they notice a change in the water smell or taste, or if the land use around their property has changed. You can request a water sample test through the Fairfax County Health Department. Learn more. Click to edit this placeholder text.
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Land development zoning fees to increase
Starting July 1, Fairfax County will implement updated fee schedules for Land Development Services (LDS) and zoning applications. The adjustments are intended to reflect the increase in costs related to inflation and personnel over recent years while ensuring the continuation of high-quality county services. Learn more.
Fairfax County’s Community Services Board provides mental health care services 24/7 for residents of all ages. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that help is available. See a full list of resources here.
Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 703-527-4077
or 9-8-8, or text “CONNECT” to 855-11.
Upcoming events:
Bilingual dental clinic offers services for Medicaid patients
Dental services for Medicaid patients will be offered at a free dental clinic starting next weekend. The clinic will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 8 and Monday, June 10 at the Andina Dental office parking lot area (6319 Castle Place, Falls Church, VA 22044). For questions, call 703-223-2440. Spanish staff will be available.
Free notary services offered at Mason District
Did you know that our office offers free notary services? Email Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-256-7717 to inquire about the types of documentation we can notarize and to schedule appointments. Please note that photo ID is required and we cannot provide basic witness signatures.
Notice:
Bailey’s Community Center will be closed on Saturday, June 1, for emergency maintenance. Visitors are invited to visit James Lee Community (2855 Annandale Rd., Falls Church) from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bailey’s Community Center is expected to reopen for regular hours on Monday, June 3. Learn more.
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- May 18, 2024 (Annandale Today)
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