|
|
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAFAIRFAXCOUNTY/bulletins/3b590ac
Friday, September 20, 2024
|
|
Good afternoon!
You're invited to join us for a special event to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month: Please mark your calendars for Fairfax Fiesta at Culmore on October 5! This free, family-friendly event is hosted by my office in coordination with HACAN along with Chairman Jeff McKay, Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck, the Fairfax County Public Library, and Celebrate Fairfax. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Culmore Community (Woodrow Wilson) Library. RSVP using HACAN's Facebook event.
I'd also like to invite you to our Transportation Expo on Saturday, September 28. Come by the Mason District Government Center to learn about planned and ongoing FCDOT and VDOT projects in the Mason District. RSVP using our Facebook event.
And finally, I'm excited to share our office's latest initiative: Mason Fosters! This partnership with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter highlights small animals available for adoption. These critters are looking for their "forever homes" and will be placed with the Mason District office on a weekly basis. Our first office pet is Bobbin the bunny! Bobbin is a 2-year-old, 10-pound Chinchilla breed rabbit. One volunteer described her as "a complete sweetheart!" If your family is looking for a new addition, make an appointment to meet Bobbin by calling our office at 703-256-7717 or emailing Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Thank you for subscribing to Mason Matters! Please don't hesitate to contact me if I can ever be of assistance.
My best,
|
 Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
|
|
|
Visit our office pet!
Mason District's newest staffer is Bobbin, a rabbit looking for her "forever home." Looking for a new pet? Make an appointment to visit Bobbin Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from September 23-27.
|
|
Early Voting in the November 5, 2024 General Election begins TODAY! You can cast your ballot in person at one of several Early Voting locations across Fairfax County. Now is a great time to:
And remember: Voting at the Mason District Governmental Center doesn't begin until October 17. Learn more.
|
|
|
Save the Date
Fairfax Fiesta at Culmore, Fairfax County’s Annual Hispanic Heritage celebration will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 5 at the Culmore Community Library (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041). This FREE, family-friendly event is hosted by Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez in coordination with HACAN along with Chairman Jeff McKay, Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik, Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck, the Fairfax County Public Library, and Celebrate Fairfax. This can’t-miss event promises a unique experience for all ages and backgrounds. With traditional performances, live entertainment, food trucks, children’s activities including face painting, crafts, and games, as well as cultural foods to tantalize your taste buds – there’s something here for everyone! Learn more.
WHAT: Fairfax Fiesta at Culmore
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 5
WHERE: Culmore Community Library (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041)
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, September 21
WHERE: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
Please join Sup. Jimenez for a Transportation Expo on Saturday, September 28! This event is open to the public and will feature presentations about completed and upcoming FCDOT and VDOT projects in Mason District. Light refreshments will be served, so please RSVP before Friday, September 20.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, September 28
WHERE: Mason District Governmental Center (6507 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. A preview sale will be held Wednesday evening from 5 to 8 p.m. with an entry fee of $20 per adult. The general sale will be held from Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily with no fee. The book sale will take place at the library located at 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale and will feature a wide variety of high-quality used books, CDs and DVDs in various categories. Proceeds support the Fairfax County Public Library Summer Reading Program, Library Foundation scholarships, Fall for the Book Festival, and library programs and equipment for George Mason Regional Library. Come early for the best selection, then come back on Sunday for bargains.
|
|
First-ever Mason District Restaurant Week wraps up!
Mason District is the cultural hub of Fairfax County, and we were thrilled to host the district's first-ever Restaurant Week this month! Thank you to everyone who came out to see what's cooking in Mason District including Chairman Jeff McKay, Fairfax County Executive Bryan Hill, Visit Fairfax CEO Barry Biggar, FCPD Mason District Commander Weeks, C3 President Mike Van Atta, and Fairfax County Animal Shelter Director Reasa Currier. This event wouldn't have been possible without our partners at the Crossroads + Corners Coalition (C3) and Celebrate Fairfax, along with the participating restaurants: Bawadi, The Casual Pint, City Diner Restaurant, Duangrat's, Han Gang, L&L Hawaiian BBQ, Raaga, Taco Rock and Taco Zocalo.
And, of course, thank you to all the folks who came out to support this event! If you didn't get a chance to participate, check out our Channel 16 segment.
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"
|
|
Declaring Sept. 17-23 as U.S. Constitution Week
Recognizing Constitution Week is a tradition that the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution started back in 1955, and it was signed into law the following year by President Eisenhower. Nearly 70 years later, my colleagues and I had the privilege of proclaiming September 17-23 as U.S. Constitution Week and recognizing the tremendous work of the NSDAR's Henry Clay Chapter. Thank you for all you do for our community, and for kindly presenting my colleagues and I with new copies of pocket-sized U.S. Constitutions during last week's Board meeting.
Resolution recognizing Goodwin House's citizenship test prep program
Earlier this week I got to recognize the residents and staff at Goodwin Living for their incredible work assisting employees on the pathway to becoming U.S. citizens. To date, this program helped more than 130 employees study for their citizenship tests and was the subject of an award-winning documentary. Thank you to resident Rita for accepting a Resolution from the Board of Supervisors recognizing the program and all its contributions to our community!
|
Community center renamed for Springfield matriarch
Thank you to everyone who came out to the renaming ceremony honoring Minnie Peyton and her tremendous contributions to our community. The Bailey's Community Center is now called the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's. What we name things is a reflection of where we’ve been and instills hope about where we’re going. Learn more.
|
|
|
Mason Works
Information for businesses & job seekers
Upcoming events for entrepreneurs, job seekers, employers, and small business owners:
-
Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce 3rd Annual Economic Forum (Thursday, September 26 in Arlington) - Connect with local business leaders, find resources, and learn about practical business strategies
-
Basic bookkeeping webinar (Thursday, September 26 online) - This free seminar is part of the Financial Empowerment Center's Small Business Class Series
-
NSF SBIR/STTR proposal prep webinar (Tuesday, October 1 online) - Get an overview of National Science Foundation programs
-
Becoming a woman-owned small business 101 (Thursday, October 3 online) - Learn about contracts for specific women-owned small businesses
-
Government contracting 101 (Wednesday, October 9 online) - Learn about steps to get started, government jargon, and readiness to be a government contractor
-
Trademarking 101 for entrepreneurs and small businesses (Wednesday, October 9 online) - Learn about trademark protection and its significance
Things to Do
Events & volunteer opportunities
Catch a show at Traveling Players
Catch one of several matinee and evening performances of Learned Ladies at Traveling Players Studio in Tysons. Show times vary and will run from Saturday, September 21 through Sunday, September 29. Learn more.
|
Upcoming events:
Arts Corner
Exciting updates about Mason District arts
Downtown Annandale's mural almost completed!
The mural site at the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) Child Development Center in Annandale is home to Fairfax County's first mural developed through the county's Revitalization Murals Program. We're excited to announce that the ACCA mural is almost completed! Stop by the Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) to see the progress by artist Pepe Gaka.
'Getaway' event to feature folk music workshops, sing-arounds, and concerts
The Folklore Society of Greater Washington opened registration for its annual Getaway event, a weekend of folk music activities. The event will take place the weekend of September 27 in West River, MD. Learn more.
|
Green Corner
The latest environmental news in Mason
Charge Up Fairfax to hold virtual roundtable
The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination will host a virtual roundtable about Charge Up Fairfax at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 24. This event will feature program participants sharing their experiences with Charge Up Fairfax. Learn more.
|
GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK: Waste survey
Fairfax County is seeking resident feedback for its zero-waste goal. The survey takes about 10 minutes and will be available through Monday, September 30.
|
Celebrate National Public Lands Day in White Gardens Park
The Fairfax County Park Authority will host a community "open park" event to celebrate National Public Lands Day on Saturday, September 28. The event will run from 10 a.m. to Noon at John C. and Margaret K. White Gardens Horticultural Park (6722 Princess Anne Ln., Falls Church, VA 22042). For more information, please email Judith.Zatsick@fairfaxcounty.gov or David.Alexander@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Parents Corner
Exciting news & events for families & students
General Assembly Page Program accepting applications
The Virginia Senate and House of Delegates Page Program is accepting applications for the 2025 General Assembly Session. The program gives students a chance to participate in the General Assembly as non-partisan staffers in the Senate and House Clerks offices in Richmond. Applications are due by Friday, October 18. Learn more.
|
Free parenting classes
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services offers FREE parenting classes for guardians of kids ages 0 to 18 years. These classes are virtual and in-person and available in multiple languages. Learn more.
|
FCPS Family Resource Center Webinars:
Nominations, contests & more
The Fairfax County Park Authority compiled dozens of volunteer opportunities for folks to get outside and give back on National Public Lands Day, Saturday, September 28! Find opportunities organized by Fairfax County Magisterial District. Learn more.
SAVE THE DATE: Rotary Club's annual "Stuff the Cruiser" food drive to be held Wednesday, October 16
Join the Bailey's Crossroads Rotary Club for their annual "Stuff the Cruiser" food drive benefitting the ACCA Food Pantry. The drive will run from 9 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday, October 16 at the Barcroft Plaza Harris Teeter (6351 Columbia Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041). The event coincides with World Food Hunger Day to eliminate food insecurity. Volunteers are needed to distribute leaflets to shoppers and receive donations. Please contact Ben Hester at brhester@verizon.net or Aidan Jones at ajbxrc2024@yahoo.com for more information or to volunteer.
Donate laundry pods for local families
Help Sup. Andres Jimenez collect laundry detergent pods for Shelter House's Patrick Henry Emergency Shelter families with children. Drop off laundry detergent pods at the 24/7 lobby drop box at the Mason District Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) or use link below to donate directly via the shelter's Amazon wish list.
|
Volunteer appointment drivers needed for Annandale/Springfield
The joint Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) and Shepherd's Center of Annandale Springfield transportation program is in desperate need of drivers to assist residents who cannot drive themselves to medical appointments, the grocery store, or to food banks. Learn more by calling the Shepherd's Center office at 703-941-1419 or emailing shepherdscas@vacosmail.com.
Storage space needed for furniture program
The ACCA Furniture Program needs storage space for the gently used donated furniture that is picked up and then delivered to our neighbors. If you have storage space available, please email furniture@accacares.org.
Volunteers needed for Fairfax Fiesta at Culmore
Volunteers are needed to help the community celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month and the vibrant diversity of our community at Fairfax Fiesta at Culmore on Saturday, October 5! This year's festivities will feature a day packed with music, dance, authentic cuisine, engaging activities, and more. Volunteers are needed to assist with set-up, logistics during the event, and clean-up. Learn more.
FCPD seeking vehicle donations
The Fairfax County Police Department is seeking vehicle donations. Vehicles must be drivable, have operational seatbelts, and have headrests on the driver-side seats. For more information, contact MPO Michael Schmeltz at 703-818-1924 or Michael.Schmeltz@fairfaxcounty.gov.
|
|
|
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.
Take the pledge for Car Free Day!
Car Free Day brings awareness to alternative travel options that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and traffic congestion. This worldwide event will be held Monday, September 23. You can take the pledge and make a commute plan online. Learn more.
Annandale Road meeting on road diet
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) will host a virtual public meeting to discuss a proposal to reconfigure Annandale Road in the Mason District. The proposed road diet will repurpose two of the four lanes of vehicle traffic between Little River Turnpike and Gallows Road by adding a center turn lane and bike lanes. The meeting will be held virtually at 7 p.m. on Monday, September 23. Learn more.
|
GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK: Active transportation and trail network
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is combining the Bicycle Master Plan and the Countywide Trails Plan and is seeking public comment during several town halls held virtually and in-person. Public feedback will be accepted through December 20. Learn more.
|
|
|
Mason District is served by multiple stations of Fairfax County Police Department that include Mason, Franconia, McLean, and West Springfield.
County-Wide Information
-
Free car seat inspection (Saturday, October 12) - Come by the Mason District Station (6705 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22033) to get your car seat inspected Saturday, October 12 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.
-
Free car seat inspections (Saturday, October 5) - Come by the Franconia District Station (6121 Franconia Rd., Franconia, VA 22310) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, October 5 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. 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.
-
Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Movie Night (Friday, September 20) - Join the McLean Station from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday, September 20 at 6633 Brawner St., McLean, VA 22101.
-
Free car seat inspections (Saturday, September 21) - Come by the McLean District Station (1437 Balls Hill Rd., McLean, VA 22101) to get your car seat inspected on Saturday, September 21 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.
-
Avoiding scams and fraud event (Saturday, September 21) - This event will take place form 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at 9900 Lorton Rd., Lorton, VA 22079.
|
|
Reminder: Car tax payments due Monday, October 7
Fairfax County personal property taxes are due by Monday, October 7. Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/pay to view your taxes, pay your bill, and see frequently asked questions. Learn more.
Rec Centers offering 15% membership discount this month
Fairfax County Park Authority Rec Centers are offering 15% discounts through September 30. Learn more.
|
Free hearing loss info fair
The Celebrate Communication event connects deaf and hard-of-hearing residents with the latest assistive technology, apps, local agency services, audiologists, and much more. The event is free and will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 28 at the Springfield Town Center (6500 Springfield Mall, Springfield, VA 22150). This is a family-friendly event and admission is free. Learn more.
|
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:
- Preventing falls webinar in Spanish (Friday, September 20 online)
- Arc of Northern Virginia's Fall transition series (through October 26 online)
- Quarterly bus travel training for individuals with disabilities (Wednesday, September 18 in Alexandria)
- AARP webinar on understanding your Social Security benefits (Tuesday, September 24 online)
- Medicaid waiver basics (Wednesday, October 2 online)
- Vienna health fair (Saturday, October 5 in Vienna) - Free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, mental health, primary care, and more at the Vienna Seventh-Day Adventist Church (344 Courthouse Rd. SW, Vienna, VA 22180)
-
Caregiving over the holidays (Tuesday, October 8 online)
- Medicare 101 for caregivers (Wednesday, October 16 online)
Planning and Land Use website unavailable this weekend
The Planning and Land Use System (PLUS) will temporarily be offline this weekend due to a system upgrade. The upgrade will take place on Saturday, September 21.
|
|
|
|
|
