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Good afternoon!
I hope you're enjoying the beginning of summer! Below is our latest edition of Mason Matters where you'll find updates on transportation, fun events, helpful resources, and much more.
As always, please let me know if I can ever be of assistance. My office is here to help our neighbors. You can reach me by emailing 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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View previous editions of Mason Matters!
We've updated our website so you can view previous editions of the Mason Matters newsletters! It's now conveniently located on the same newsletter signup page.
Important reminder from Maggie Jimenez:
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Dreaming of cooler days? Me, too. Please remember that if you're hot, your furry friends are probably hotter. Temperatures are soaring and it's important to consider us when you're locking up your car and taking walks on hot asphalt.
Now that I've got your attention, this is a great time to check out the Wishlist for the Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter! They always need supplies and volunteers. Click here to see ways you can help.
I hope you and your humans have a great summer!
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Save the Date
FREE Senior Scam Class
(Tuesday, July 9)
Learn about protecting yourself and senior family members from financial exploitation at this FREE community event hosted by Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez and the Fairfax County Department of Family Services Older Adults Division. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP and submit questions ahead of time.
WHEN: 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 9
WHERE: Mason District Gov. Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
RSVP & SUBMIT QUESTIONS: Email Chris Delta at Christine.Delta@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-256-7717
National Night Out is an annual neighborhood-based crime and drug prevention event that strengthens partnerships with public safety. Join one of the many events throughout Fairfax County. You can sign up your neighborhood's event by Friday, July 26. Learn more.
WHEN: 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, August 6
WHERE: Various locations throughout Fairfax County
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BAC Appointees recognized at our annual event!
Serving your community looks different for everyone. For these folks, it looks like this: using their experience to serve on the various Boards, Authorities, and Commissions for the Mason District. Last week we gathered to celebrate these individuals and to thank them for their efforts. Thank you to everyone who came out and who lends us their precious time to serve Mason District!
If you know a person or organization that should be featured in this section, please email Communications Director Eleanor Rogers at Eleanor.Rogers@fairfaxcounty.gov with the subject line "Celebrating Mason"
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Left column: Administering my first oath as an elected official for the Fairfax Federation of Citizens Associations; Touring Insight Memory Care’s Fairfax facility. Right column: Greeting voters with Elections Office staff at the Mason District Government Center Early Voting site; Meeting with members of the Rotary Club of Bailey’s Crossroads.
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Mason Works
Information for businesses & job seekers
Free bilingual culinary training open to ages 16+!
Learn the culinary trade with the experts! Kitchen of Purpose is hosting an 8-week, hands-on free training that includes 4 weeks of paid internships. This program is designed to support low-income individuals ages 16 and older. English language classes also are available. Applications for the August session are due by Tuesday, July 2. Learn more.
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Considering a small business or becoming an entrepreneur?
Get no-cost business counseling and training services through Virginia Small Business Development Centers and their experts from George Mason University. Learn about business formation, marketing, pitch preparation, financing, SEO, and cybersecurity. Learn more.
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Upcoming events for entrepreneurs, job seekers, employers, and small business owners:
Arts Corner
Exciting updates about Mason District arts
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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Things to Do
Events & volunteer opportunities
FIREWORKS DISPLAYS
Celebrate Fairfax has a list of fireworks displays across Fairfax County to help you ring in the July 4th holiday! Shows start this weekend. Learn more.
MORE EVENTS:
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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 assessment program concludes next week
Solarize Virginia will conclude its enrollment period for its 2024 program soon. Solarize Virginia is managed by the nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) and offers discounted pricing and free solar panel assessments. Learn more.
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Parents Corner
Exciting news & events for families & students
 College financial aid still available for graduates - Clinic to be held in Mason District
Parents and students can get free help completing or correcting FAFSA or VASA financial aid forms at several clinics throughout the summer in Fairfax County. The clinics are hosted by College Access Fairfax and Spanish translation will be available. Both the student and a parent/guardian must attend, and applicants should bring a laptop. Learn more.
WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10
WHERE: Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
 Summer Reading Adventure kicks off
Keep your family interested in reading throughout the summer! Earn virtual badges by reading or listening to books, reading for 20-30 minutes, and more. Then visit your local library branch to receive prices for your age group. Learn more.
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.
School grounds open for individual use this summer
Fairfax County Public Schools allows individual use of its grounds and facilities during the summer including blacktops, playgrounds, outdoor basketball and tennis courts, and tracks without prior scheduling. Certain activities and items are prohibited, and rules apply. Learn more.
Free meals offered through Summer Food Service Program
Children can receive free meals through the Fairfax County Department of Neighborhood and Community Services' Summer Food Service Program. The meals are provided free of discrimination at specific times and locations. Learn more.
Nominations, contests & more
Community input sought for potential renaming of Bailey's Community Center
Fairfax County Neighborhood & Community services is seeking public input on a potential renaming of the Bailey's Community Center. The public can vote on options via an online survey through Thursday, July 11. Learn 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.
“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.
Volunteers needed in Annandale
The Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) is seeking volunteers for several roles in the summer. ACCA needs furniture movers, a remote money captain, and drivers for food deliveries and patient appointments. Learn more.
Feedback sought for possible renaming of Woodrow Wilson Library
The Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Board of Trustees is considering renaming the Woodrow Wilson Library in Falls Church. The renaming will be discussed at the Board of Trustees Meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10 at George Mason Regional Library. All feedback will be discussed and a final vote may or may not be take place. Residents of the Mason District can contact their trustee with their comments at wwwlib@fairfaxcounty.gov or to sign up to comment at the meeting.
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).
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.
Metro fares to increase July 1
Metro customers will see a 12.5% fare increase, according to a news release. Bus fares and base rail fares will increase from $2 to $2.25. The maximum rail fare will increase from $6 to $6.75. Late-night and weekend fares will rise from a flat $2 to a variable charge between $2.25 and $2.50 based on distance. MetroAccess fares will be capped at $4.50, up from $4. Pass products will also increase. Metro is also equipping bicycle lockers with an hourly rental feature, with a rate of 5 cents an hour, up to $1.00 per day. Parking fees will not change. Learn more.
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Give your feedback: Multiple organizations need public comment for NoVa transportation projects
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Mason District is served by multiple stations of Fairfax County Police Department that include Mason, Franconia, McLean, and West Springfield.
- 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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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, July 13) - Come by the Mason District Station (6705 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22033) to get your car seat inspected Saturday, July 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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Free car seat inspections (Saturday, June 29) - Come by the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, June 29 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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Stop the Bleed training course (Tuesday, July 9) – Learn how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly to control it. The training takes about one hour and will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9 at the West Springfield District Station. Spots are limited and registration is required. Please email MPO Tony Capizzi at Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-277-2363.
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Free car seat inspection (Saturday, July 13) - Come by the West Springfield Station to get your car seat inspected from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 13. No appointments are necessary and inspections occur on a first-come, first-serve basis. The seat will be re-installed if needed.
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College-bound student safety course (Tuesday, July 16) – Join officers for a Personal Safety for College-Bound Students lecture at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16 in the community room of the West Springfield Government Center (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA). Learn how to recognize and react to various situations and defend yourself. No registration necessary.
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Juice Box with a Cop (Saturday, July 20) - Join us for some juice boxes, snacks, and fun! There will be free car seat inspections, information tables, and the chance to explore a police vehicle. There might even be a visit from McGruff the Crime Dog! This event will take place from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, July 20 at the Annandale Community Center (7861-B Heritage Dr., Annandale, VA 22003).
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Avoiding scams and fraud (Tuesday, July 23) – This presentation will discuss various scams and how to avoid becoming a victim. The presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23 at the West Springfield Government Center (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA).
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New program educates about lead
Lead Free Fairfax is a new program from Fairfax Water to educate residents about the dangers of lead exposure, how to reduce exposure, and what Fairfax Water is doing to update its service line inventory. If you are a Fairfax Water account holder, you can take an online survey to answer questions about your service line. There's also information about requesting test kits for your water. 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. The survey is available in multiple languages.
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Land development zoning fees to increase
Starting Monday, 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.
Request a mosquito inspection
Interested in a yard inspection by one of the Health Department's environmental health team members to help determine the source of your mosquitos? Residents of the Fairfax Health District can request inspections of their property. Learn more.
 Fairfax County may activate its Extreme Heat Response Plan next week
When the National Weather Service issues a heat advisory, excessive heat watch, or excessive heat warning, the county activates its Extreme Heat Response Plan, which includes the following elements:
- Offering space for residents to cool off in an air-conditioned area with water available along with other heat-related supplies. Spaces available include all libraries, Rec Centers, community centers, and human services buildings during operating hours.
- Providing messaging through the county's communications platforms about resources available and preventing heat-related illnesses.
- Sending targeted messages through Fairfax Alerts to unsheltered residents.
- Activating overflow shelter space at the County’s emergency homeless shelters.
- Deploying homeless services outreach staff to check on unsheltered residents and provide them with supplies.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for Fairfax Alerts for the latest information.
Join the Fairfax County Department of Planning and Development and the Fairfax County Party Authority for a Health & Wellness Fair in Annandale. Attendees will participate and learn more about meditation, yoga, dental health, chiropractic health, massage therapy, and more.
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 29
WHERE: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
Vouchers to help senior residents get fresh produce
Fairfax County residents ages 60 and older on fixed incomes can apply for one-time $50 vouchers to receive fresh produce from participating farmers markets. Applications are due by Monday, September 30. Learn more.
Upcoming events:
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