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Good afternoon!
I hope you and your family enjoyed a safe July 4th holiday! This week has been scorching, and Fairfax County activated its Heat Plan to help residents get the resources they need to keep cool. Now is a good time to remind folks that pets are particularly vulnerable to heat-related sickness and injury. Please make sure to look after them as temperatures soar this summer.
In addition to our usual Mason Matters news items, I want to highlight this week's Celebrating Mason section featuring our own Chris Delta. I hope you take a moment to read about her recent success with a constituent issue.
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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Save the Date
Calling all canine companions and their humans! Join us for a tail-wagging good time at the Annandale Dog days of Summer event! This FREE event will have doggy games and contests, vendors, a "Yappy Hour" for humans, and some helpful resources for pet owners. Remember: All dogs must be leashed, vaccinated, licensed, and cleaned up after.
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 27
WHERE: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (2700 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
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
The popular George Mason Regional Library Friends semi-annual book sale will be held from Wednesday, September 25 through Sunday, September 29. Learn more.
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Local cat & her owner finds new home
Lilly the Cat and her owner with Fairfax County Animal Shelter staffers who helped them during a housing crisis.
Sometimes it's the little things that give us hope. Mason District staffer Chris Delta is a tireless advocate for residents experiencing homelessness and housing instability. Tackling these issues is complex and often involves multiple Fairfax County agencies and local nonprofits. The situation gets trickier when folks have pets, which often can't accompany their families in homeless shelters.
For two years, Chris worked with a local woman who was living on the streets because she didn't want to part with her beloved cat, Lilly. "She said Lilly had always been there for her and she didn't want to give her away," Chris recalled recently.
Chris teamed up with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter to place Lilly with a foster family until she could receive an emotional therapy animal certificate. Now, this resident (and Lilly!) has been accepted at a Bailey's Shelter housing unit.
These types of outcomes are only possible thanks to the cooperation between county departments and some out-of-the-box thinking on behalf of county staffers like Chris. Thank you for all that you do for Mason District and our neighbors!
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, top to bottom: Touring the new Falls Church High School renovations with Mason District School Board Member Dr. Anderson and Principal Nowak; Celebrating the English Empowerment Center’s “World of Opportunity” event. Right column, top to bottom: Celebrating the 4th of July with the Lee Boulevard Hights Community Association and the Broyhill Crest Recreation Club.
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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:
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NCS open hire job fair (Saturday, July 13 in Alexandria) - Bring copies of your resume and prepare to interview on the spot for jobs across Fairfax County.
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Webinar on first-time business mistakes (Tuesday, July 16 online) - Learn how to avoid common pitfalls that can hinder your success.
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Webinar on protecting your business using trademarks, patents and copyrights (Thursday, July 18 online) - Get the basics on intellectual property rights.
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Accelerate Breakfast Series (Friday, July 19 in McLean) - This series unites entrepreneurs and investors offering a platform to pitch opportunities to local founders. The selected participating companies are seeking seed-stage capital up to $2 million.
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Record keeping basics webinar (Wednesday, July 24 online) - Learn about tools to track income and expenses, when to file 1099s, accounting, and more.
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Trademark 101: Basics for entrepreneurs and small businesses (Wednesday, July 24 online) - Learn about the significance of trademark protection.
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Attorney-led webinar on registering businesses in VA & DC (Tuesday, July 30 online) - This class walks you through the steps needed to become a legal business entity.
Arts Corner
Exciting updates about Mason District arts
 Arts in the Parks features FREE children's events this summer
Join us on Wednesday and Saturday mornings this summer for a FREE series of children's events. Arts in the Parks is held throughout Fairfax County including at Mason District Park. Performance times vary. Learn more.
Things to Do
Events & volunteer opportunities
MORE EVENTS:
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Green Corner
The latest environmental news in Mason
Webinar focuses on small ways to reduce your carbon footprint
Join Fairfax County’s Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination to learn about ways you can save money, reduce your carbon footprint and adapt to changing climate conditions.
WHEN: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16
WHERE: Livestreamed online
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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
 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.
Bailey's back-to-school event to distribute backpacks, supplies
Join Fairfax County NCS for a back-to-school community event to distribute school supplies. In addition to backpacks filled with donated supplies, parents also will be able to connect with representatives from various county agencies and resources. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 10 at the Bailey's Community Center (5920-A Summers Ln., Falls Church, VA 22041).
Want to donate school supplies?
See a full list of school supplies for Parklawn Elementary School First Grade, Bailey's Upper Elementary, and Glasgow Middle School. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at the Bailey's Community Center (Attn: William Canas, 5920-A Summers Ln., Falls Church, VA 22041). Drop-offs also can be coordinated by emailing William.Canas@fairfaxcounty.gov or Desmond.Tutu@fairfaxcounty.gov
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.
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). Report parking violations through the Fairfax County Police Department's non-emergency line at 703-691-2131 or fcpdparkingenforcement@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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.
Give your feedback: Multiple organizations need public comment for NoVa transportation projects
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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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DMVMoves is seeking feedback on transportation projects in the Metropolitan Washington area. The survey is open through August 4. 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.
New scam impersonates law enforcement officers
Fairfax County Police are warning residents about a new scam in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officers over the phone. The scam usually claims that the resident owes money stemming from a legal fine, a fictitious traffic violation, or arrest. Remember that police will NEVER demand money or immediate payment in the form of gift cards or cryptocurrency. You can report suspicious activity to the non-emergency line at 703-691-2131. 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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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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Chalk with a Cop (Thursday, July 18) - Join FCPD for activities like hopscotch, sidewalk chalk, and more! This family-friendly event will take place from 4 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 18 at the Bailey's Community Center (5920-A Summers Ln., Falls Church, VA 22041).
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Free car seat inspections (Saturday, July 27) - Come by the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, July 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 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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Real estate tax payments are due Monday, July 29. The Fairfax County Department of Tax Administration (DTA) mailed residents tax bills last month. The next installment of the real estate taxes are due in December. If you believe your real estate is incorrectly assessed, you can file an appeal. Learn more.
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New laws went into effect July 1st
Virginia has a few new laws that took effect July 1 following the General Assembly session. Those laws include changes to the Fairfax County speed limits, polling place access, transportation safety, solar panels, among others. Learn more.
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Fairfax Circuit Court launches new online service
Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk Chris Falcon announced this week that his office is using a new online search function for tracking cases. The service, eCaseSearch, is free and was developed in-house at no additional cost to taxpayers. Learn more.
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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
July Code Compliance Corner available
This month's Code Compliance Corner includes information about Fairfax County's Zoning Ordinance and home-based businesses. Learn more.
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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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
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.
Forums seek feedback from residents with disabilities
The Fairfax Area Commission on Aging (COA) and the Fairfax Area Disability Service Board (FA-DSB) are seeking community input to identify systemic gaps in service facing area residents with disabilities. Two virtual community forums will be held:
- Community forum for family caregivers: 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31
- Community forum for adults with disabilities age 50 and over: 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, August 2
Register online as space is limited. Accommodation requests can be made by contacting Ann Kim at 703-324-7486 or Ann.Kim@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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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