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https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAFAIRFAXCOUNTY/bulletins/3b91000
Thursday, October 3, 2024
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Good evening, and happy Fall!
The weather looks promising for Saturday's Fairfax Fiesta at Culmore, our annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration in Mason District! Join us from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday at the Culmore Community (Woodrow Wilson) Library. You can get more info here and RSVP using our co-host's Facebook event. I hope to see you there!
In the meantime, please enjoy this edition of Mason Matters. Thank you for subscribing!
My best,
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 Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Early Voting in the November 5, 2024 General Election is ongoing, but please remember that the Mason District Governmental Center does not open for Early Voting until October 17.
In the meantime, you can:
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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)
Join us for a day of Fall fun at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space Fall Festival! Folks can enjoy a petting zoo, delicious food, and fall festivities for kids of all ages.
WHAT: Eileen Garnett Civic Space Fall Festival
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 19
WHERE: Eileen Garnett Civic Space (7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
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Board of Supervisors recognizes Hispanic Heritage Month
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted last Tuesday to proclaim Sept. 15 through Oct. 15 as Hispanic Heritage Month! Supervisor Jimenez carried the proclamation and presented it to Allida Motta, Board President of the educational and advocacy nonprofit Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN).
“There’s a reason I’m spearheading this proclamation, and it’s not because my last name is Jimenez. It’s a bit deeper than that,” Supervisor Jimenez said in his presentation remarks. “When I first took office about ten months ago, I heard someone ask what Mason District is known for. And that answer was really obvious to me… Mason District is the cultural hub of Fairfax County and is the home to the largest share of minority residents with more than 60 percent. And Hispanics represent the largest share of that population… In Mason, we don’t shy away from diversity; we lean into it. It’s there where we draw our strength, our resiliency, our creativity, and our vibrance.”
HACAN was joined by more than a dozen other advocacy and nonprofit organizations that assist the Hispanic community including Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, Fairfax County Government Latino Staff, CASA Virginia, Centreville Immigration Forum, Edu-Futuro, HealthWorks for Northern Virginia, Juntos Por Virginia, Kaiser Permanente Place-Based Initiative (PBI), Medical Care for Children Partnership Foundation, Meyer Foundation, New Virginia Majority, Northern Virginia Family Services, SAMU, Second Story, The Women’s Center, and Consuls General of Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Thank you to everyone who attended! You can watch the full Proclamation Presentation online.
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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Mason Fosters welcomes Bobbin the rabbit!
The rumors are true: Bobbin the rabbit is an absolute sweetheart. We welcomed Bobbin to our office last week as part of our Mason Fosters program with the Fairfax County Animal Shelter. Our goal is to host pets looking for their forever homes and connect them with county residents. Bobbin is available for adoption, and we have good news: adoption fees are waived during this weekend's Empty the Shelters event! The event runs from Friday, October 4 through Sunday, October 6 and waives adoption fees for cats, mice, dogs, bunnies, and others. Learn more.
Ribbon cutting at Raising Cane's first Fairfax County location in Mason District
I was thrilled to join Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers this morning as they opened their first Fairfax County location right here in Mason District! Thank you to the Raising Cane's folks for supporting our local Justice High School and to the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce for arranging the ribbon cutting.
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Good Shepherd celebrates its 100th home
Thanks to Good Shepherd Housing and Family Services, more than 100 working families have found affordable rental housing in the region. Last week my colleagues and I celebrated the acquisition of their 100th home into their housing inventory! Thank you to Good Shepherd for everything that you do to help Fairfax County's hardworking families.
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Mason Works
Information for businesses & job seekers
Upcoming events for entrepreneurs, job seekers, employers, and small business owners:
Things to Do
Events & volunteer opportunities
Fairfax Fiesta, Fairfax County’s Annual Hispanic Heritage celebration is on Saturday, October 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Culmore Community Library (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041). This FREE, family-friendly event promises a unique experience for all ages and backgrounds. With cultural performances and entertainment, an artisan market featuring handmade goods from local vendors, children’s activities such as face painting, crafts, and games that will keep them entertained for hours on end, plus delicious cultural foods to tantalize your taste buds – there’s something here for everyone! Fairfax Fiesta celebrates not only Hispanic culture but also diversity in our community. The festive atmosphere of this free family-friendly gathering makes it ideal for creating lasting memories with friends or loved ones while learning about different cultures around the world.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 5
WHERE: Culmore Community (Woodrow Wilson) Library (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041)
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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.
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.
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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.
Nominations, contests & more
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Mason District is served by multiple stations of Fairfax County Police Department that include Mason, Franconia, McLean, and West Springfield.
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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.
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Trunk or Treat (Wednesday, October 30) - Join folks from FCPD's Mason Station at their annual Trunk or Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30 at the Culmore Community (Woodrow Wilson) Library (6101 Knollwood Dr., Falls Church, VA 22041).
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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.
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Open House at Fire Station 14 (Saturday, October 12) - 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fire Station 14 (9501 Old Burke Lake Rd., Burke, VA 22015)
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Fall Festival at Newington Forest ES (Friday, October 18) - From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Newington Forest ES (8001 Newington Forest Ave., Springfield, VA 22153)
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Car Seat Saturday (Saturday, October 19) - From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the West Springfield District Station (6140 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA 22152)
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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.
Vacuum leaf collection guidelines released
The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program released guidance about upcoming leaf collection services. Leaf collection begins on November 4 and ends December 6. Residents may receive the information by mail that includes collection timelines broken down by area, leaf management tips, and set out instructions. Learn more.
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DMV Health Fair
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the 2024 Celebra La Cultura Hispana Health Fair, an event dedicated to supporting and uplifting the Falls Church community, with a special focus on our Latine neighbors. This event is hosted by the National Hispanic Medical Association and will feature a wide range of activities, health screenings, and resources. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 12 at the James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Rd., Ste. 101, Falls Church, VA 22042). Learn more.
Novelist John Wasowicz to speak at Lifetime Learning Institute forum
The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia is a learning group for adults age 50 and over that hosts regular forums. Their upcoming forum will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6 at the Little River United Church of Christ (8410 Little River Tpk., Annandale, VA 22003) and will feature John Adam Wasowicz, a well-known author of legal mysteries based in and around the City of Alexandria. A social gathering will begin at 9:30 a.m. Learn more.
Upcoming events:
Falls Church Affordable Housing Community Input
Property at 5827 Columbia Pike in Falls Church is being considered for an affordable housing project. The Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority is seeking feedback from the public about the project during multiple engagement sessions. The next session will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 24 at the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey's (5920 Summers Ln., Falls Church, VA 22041). Learn more.
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