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Hello, my friends and neighbors!
Despite the sweltering temperatures, it's been a busy July here in Mason District. Below is the latest edition of Mason Matters where you'll find updates on transportation, events, public safety, and more.
My team and I are here to serve you, so please don't hesitate to contact me directly if I can ever be of assistance. You can reach me at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or 703-256-7717.
Thank you for subscribing to Mason Matters, and I hope you and your family are enjoying a safe summer!
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
Taste of Annandale is back at a new location! Join us at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space for live music and dance performances, a chili cookoff, 5K race, children's events, a pet contest, and of course food from local restaurants and food trucks. This event has FREE admission, and sponsorship opportunities are available.
WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21
WHERE: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
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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Community center renamed to honor Minnie Peyton
Minnie H. Peyton's great-granddaughte at a recent public hearing about renaming the Bailey's Community Center.
Community centers are crucial for the fabric of our neighborhoods. What we name them is a reflection of our history and where we're going. That's why I'm proud to share that my Board colleagues and I recently approved changing the name of the Bailey's Community Center to the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's.
Minnie Peyton was a staunch advocate for Springfield's Black community at a time when local services were restricted through various Jim Crow laws. She donated the land on which the community center was later built, providing countless children with access to playgrounds, sports fields, and gymnasiums.
We still feel the effects of Minnie Peyton's generous community contributions, and we're proud to rename our community center in her honor. I want to thank the Fairfax County History Commission and our community stakeholders who extensively researched this process and worked tirelessly to verify records. Stay tuned for updates about a renaming ceremony later this year!
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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 to right, top to bottom: Attending a presentation by the Fairfax County Committee on Aging; Speaking to the Mid-Atlantic Pipe Trades Association annual meeting; Attending a class at the English Empowerment Center; Attending a restaurant tour in Annandale.
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Mason Works
Information for businesses & job seekers
 Election workers needed at the polls!
The Fairfax County Office of Elections is seeking community members to work the polls for the November 5, 2024 General Election. In particular, they need bilingual workers who speak Korean and Vietnamese. This position pays $250. Learn more.
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
 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.
Take the 3-mminute ArtsFairfax artist survey
The Fairfax Regional Artist Survey was created with artists, for artists, to identify the opportunities and resources local artists need to thrive. The survey closes in December. Learn more.
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Things to Do
Events & volunteer opportunities
MORE EVENTS:
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Green Corner
The latest environmental news in Mason
Repair, Repurpose or Recycle: What to Do About Your Old Appliances
The Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination compiled options for recycling, repairing, and repurposing old appliances to help cut down on "e-waste." 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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Parents Corner
Exciting news & events for families & students
 Stock up on back-to-school supplies during the tax-free weekend
Virginia's sales tax holiday is scheduled for August 2-4. During the holiday, you can purchase qualifying school supplies, clothes, shoes, emergency preparedness supplies, and more without paying Virginia's sales tax. Find out what items qualify through the Virginia Department of Taxation. Learn more.
Summer Reading Adventure programs continue through August
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.
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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
Leadership Fairfax Institute seeking applicants
The Leadership Fairfax Institute (LFI) is a 9-month program that provides a forum for established leaders of the business, nonprofit, and government sectors. Programs begin in the Fall of 2024 and applications are due by Wednesday, July 31. Learn more.
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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.
Nominate a "Friend of Trees"
The Fairfax County Tree Commission is seeking nominations for its Friends of Trees awards. The awards highlight people and organizations that protect and preserve tree habitats, help increase the urban tree canopy, and share the benefits of trees with our community. Nominations are due Wednesday, July 31. Learn more.
Volunteers needed:
- 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.
- New Hope Housing is seeking volunteers to assist with clients and programs. There are positions at multiple locations including Fairfax and Falls Church. 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 on NoVa transportation projects
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DMVMoves is seeking feedback on transportation projects in the Metropolitan Washington area. The survey is open through Sunday, August 4. Take the survey.
Metro travel training for people with disabilities
The Arc of Northern Virginia is hosting a travel training session for individuals with disabilities interested in independent Metro travel. This free event will take place on Friday, August 2 and 16. Registration is required. Learn more.
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Mason District is served by multiple stations of Fairfax County Police Department that include Mason, Franconia, McLean, and West Springfield.
FCPD offers theft prevention tips
Fairfax County Police issued theft prevention tips related to package deliveries. The recommendations include scheduling deliveries, using secure drop off locations, tracking packages, and information about reporting thefts to police. 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, August 17) - Come by the Mason District Station (6705 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22033) to get your car seat inspected Saturday, August 17 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, August 3) - Come by the Franconia District Station (6121 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310) to get your car seat inspected Saturday, August 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
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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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Juice Box with a Cop (Saturday, August 10) - Join us for some juice boxes, snacks, and fun! This event will take place from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, August 10 at the West Springfield District Station (6140 Rolling Road, Springfield, VA 22152).
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 REMINDER: Property taxes due Monday, July 29
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.
Get up to $5k in flooding mitigation refunds
Residential property owners and renters can get up to $5,000 in flood mitigation project refunds through the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP). The program offers 50% reimbursement of up to $5,000 for the cost of projects that protect property from flood damage. The program excludes commercial property and is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Learn more.
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Fight the Bite!
Bug bites aren't just annoying; they're also a major contributor to illnesses spread by ticks, mosquitoes, and other pests. Fairfax County's Disease Carrying Insects Program helps you fight the bite and get resources to protect you and your family. Find out how to identify tick bites, prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs on your property, and get info on common bite-related illnesses. Learn more.
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New program helps with groceries
A new program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture called Virginia SUN Bucks helps families of school-age children purchase groceries. The program provides a one-time payment of $120. Eligibility requirements apply. 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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