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https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/VAFAIRFAXCOUNTY/bulletins/3ba10b4
Thursday, October 17, 2024
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Good evening,
Have you voted yet? Early Voting is happening now through November 2 at the Mason Governmental Center. Fairfax County residents can cast their ballots early for the November 5 General Election. Visit the Fairfax County Office of Elections website to see Early Voting details, see sample ballots, learn how to return mail ballots, and more.
If you plan to vote early at the Mason Governmental Center, please consider bringing a food donation to help restock our local food pantry! Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) is seeking various canned and boxed items to help feed our Mason District neighbors in need. You can see a full list of their needed pantry items here. Items can be dropped off 24/7 in the lobby of the Mason District Governmental Center, so please feel free to drop off a donation when you cast your ballot.
As always, don't hesitate to reach out if I can be of any assistance. And thank you for subscribing to Mason Matters!
My best,
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 Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Location & Hours
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Mason Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) Thursday, October 17 through Saturday, November 2:
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Monday - Friday: 1 - 7 p.m.
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Saturdays (October 19, October 26, November 2): 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Sunday (October 27): 1 - 5 p.m.
- See other Fairfax County Early Voting locations
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Save the Date
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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Mason District hosts Fairfax Fiesta at Culmore Hispanic Heritage celebration
Hispanic Heritage Month wrapped up this week, and it was one for the books! Mason District is the cultural hub of Fairfax County and is home to the county's largest share of Hispanic residents. In addition to carrying a Proclamation for Hispanic Heritage Month, my office co-hosted Fairfax Fiesta at Culmore with Hispanics Against Child Abuse and Neglect (HACAN) on October 5.
I want to extend a huge thank you to our co-hosts: Celebrate Fairfax, Fairfax County Public Library, Chairman Jeff McKay, Providence Supervisor Dalia Palchik, and Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck.
Together we enjoyed Latin American food, dancing, performances, music, and so much more. Thank you to everyone who came out! We're already looking forward to next year's event.
You can check out our recap video on Facebook and Instagram.
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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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Mason Works
Information for businesses & job seekers
Upcoming events for entrepreneurs, job seekers, employers, and small business owners:
Things to Do
Events & volunteer opportunities
Annual "Youth Night" at the Justice High School Home Varsity Football Game against Edison High School
Join students of Justice High School for their annual Youth Night during the football game versus Edison High School! Gates open at 6 p.m. Learn more.
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Annandale Parade hosted by the Annandale Chamber of Commerce
Check out antique cars, fire trucks, marching bands, dancers, and much more at the Annandale Parade! The parade will take place from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, October 26, along Columbia Pike. This parade is proudly cited as one of "the best small town parades in America!" Learn more.
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Upcoming events:
Green Corner
The latest environmental news in Mason
Justice High School to hold Recycle Fair 2024
Join the Justice High School Boosters & Activities Office for Recycle Fair 2024! This event will be held from 9 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, October 19 at the Justice High School parking lot (3301 Peace Valley Ln., Falls Church, VA 22044). They will accept electronics, paper/sensitive documents for shredding, and bicycles.
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GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK: Lake Accotink survey
A public survey has opened for comments on the future of Lake Accotink. The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete and closes on Wednesday, October 30.Learn more.
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2nd annual Climate Action Conference
Braddock Supervisor James Walkinshaw is hosting the 2nd annual Climate Action Conference from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. The event will feature remarks from Congressman Gerry Connolly and other elected officials. Discussions will focus on vehicle emissions and opportunities for residents to save money while reducing their carbon footprints. Learn more.
Got invasive plants?
The Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA) urges residents to learn about non-native plants and vines. These invasive species crowd out native birds and pollinators. Learn more.
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.
Arts Corner
Exciting updates about Mason District arts
NOVA Pottery Sale is back!
You'll find bargain prices on unique ceramic pieces at NOVA's Pottery sale on Wednesday, November 6, at the Annandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College, on the patio outside the CA Building main level, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE parking for sale customers in student lots; enter from Wakefield Chapel Drive. Everything is handcrafted by students or faculty at the college and all proceeds benefit NOVA's ceramics program. Come early for the best selection!
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Apply to be featured at Tysons Corner Center temporary exhibit
ArtsFairfax is seeking local artists, artist teams, and arts organizations for an upcoming temporary exhibit at Tysons Corner Center. Artists who live or work in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church are encouraged to apply. More than 20 million people explore Tysons Corner Center’s retail and entertainment spaces each year. Learn more.
FREE regional art workshops announced
The Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies announced free professional development workshops for area artists. The workshops are designed for artists, art administrators, and arts organizations and will begin Thursday, November 14. Learn more.
Nominations, contests & more
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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New Hope Housing hosting gift card drive
Make a safe and impactful donation this holiday season by donating gift cards to help our homeless neighbors. New Hope Housing is seeking 500 $25 gift cards to Target, Walmart, and grocery stores to help residents purchase items they need.
Gift cards can be mailed now through January 20 to:
NHH GIFT CARDS
ATTN: MICHELLE HOOK
8407-E RICHMOND HWY
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22309
For any questions, please contact Michelle Hook at 703-799-2293 x 11 or mhook@newhopehousing.org.
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Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion & Equality Awards
Do you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area? Nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2024 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award! Nominations are due before 5 p.m. on Friday, October 18. Learn more.
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.
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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.
Take a Moment campaign highlights pedestrian safety
Pedestrian safety remains a priority in Fairfax County, especially in Mason District. October is Pedestrian Safety Month and the Take a Moment campaign shares helpful tips on staying safe out on the roads, including:
- Road rule refreshers for school buses
- Ways to increase visibility as a pedestrian, motorcyclist, and bicyclist
- Techniques for staying focused as a driver
VDOT shares tips on avoiding deer
It's deer season, and the Virginia Department of Transportation partnered with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to remind motorists to stay alert on the roads. Learn more.
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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.
County-Wide Information
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FCPD shares tips for Pedestrian Safety Month
The Fairfax County Police Department shared tips for drivers and pedestrians to stay safe during Pedestrian Safety Month. 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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Stuff the Cruiser food drive
Come help the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFEA) and your Mason District FCPD officers stuff the cruiser in support of the ACCA food pantry. This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 8 at the Giant Food (7137 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003).
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Land Development Services
Leaf collection begins next month
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. Mason District falls into multiple collection areas. Learn more.
GIVE YOUR FEEDBACK: 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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Heating program accepting applications
The Fuel Assistance Program is accepting applications to help households meet their energy needs. The application period runs through the second Friday in November. Learn more.
Fairfax Water calls on customers to help replace lead water lines
Fairfax Water is encouraging residents to check their water service lines to find lead pipes. Customers are responsible for replacing portions of the service lines that they own, typically located on the customer side of the meter or curb stop. Fairfax Water is compiling information about its service line inventory. Learn more.
Free baby and maternal health expo
New and expectant mothers in the South County area are invited for Baby Extravaganza, a free baby and maternal health expo. This event will be held from 10 a.m. to Noon on Wednesday, October 23 at the Gerry Hyland Government Center (8350 Richmond Hwy., Room 220, Alexandria, VA 22309). Learn more.
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Walk-in youth mental health services expanded in Falls Church
New behavioral health services for youth ages 5 to 18 are now available at the James Lee Community Center in Falls Church. On-site assessments, psychiatric evaluations, therapy, opioid treatment referrals, and parenting groups are available. Walk in or call the CSB at 703-383-8500 for access. Hours for these services are Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Learn more.
Upcoming events:
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