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Good afternoon!
I hope you’re having a great week! Our team has been busy connecting with residents and sharing exciting updates and resources across Mason District. In this edition, we're highlighting several key initiatives: the upcoming Mason District Budget Town Hall, Fairfax County’s new Federal Workforce Resource Hub, and the recent Workforce Development Work Group meeting held right here in Mason District, where we discussed strengthening job opportunities and career pathways for all residents.
We’re also celebrating the incredible launch of the Justice High School Rowing Team’s new quad boat and featuring the latest episode of our Reimagine Mason podcast, where I sat down with Culmore Clinic’s Executive Director, Lynette Sappe-Watkins, to discuss expanding healthcare access in our community.
With the FY26 budget process underway, now is the time to stay engaged and informed. I encourage you to join us at our virtual budget town hall to learn more and share your feedback. Additionally, if you or someone you know is impacted by federal employment uncertainty, the Federal Workforce Resource Hub offers valuable tools and support.
As always, if there’s anything my office can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to reach out by calling 703-256-7717 or emailing Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Thank you for staying connected, and I look forward to continuing to serve and support our vibrant Mason District community.
Sincerely,
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Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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💼 Strengthening Workforce Development in Mason District & Fairfax County | | |
I had the opportunity to join Supervisor Kathy Smith, county and local partners, labor representatives, and members of the Fairfax County School Board for an engaging Workforce Development Committee Meeting. Together, we focused on strategies to build a stronger, more competitive workforce that meets the evolving needs of our region.
We heard valuable insights from two outstanding presenters:
📢 GoVirginia Region 7 – Talent Pipeline Initiative
🎤 Kenneth E. Poole, CEO/President – Center for Regional Economic Competitiveness
📢 FCEDA Talent Program
🎤 Michael Batt, Vice President of Talent – Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
Workforce development is especially important in Mason District, where investing in skills training, education, and career pathways helps ensure that residents of all backgrounds have access to meaningful employment opportunities. By aligning talent development with regional economic priorities, we’re not only supporting individual success but also strengthening Fairfax County’s role as a thriving economic hub.
Thank you to everyone who participated and continues to champion a skilled, dynamic, and future-ready workforce here in Mason District and across Fairfax County!
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💸 Thank You, Mason District TaxAide Volunteers! Free Tax Help Still Available! 💸 | | |
It was wonderful to stop by the Mason District TaxAide Super Site and personally thank the dedicated volunteers who make this service possible! 👏 This year alone, the Mason team has electronically filed 800 tax returns and assisted nearly 1,000 taxpayers, an incredible achievement. Many new residents learned about this free, essential service through Mason Matters, and we’re proud to continue connecting our community to this valuable resource.
Need Tax Help? Free Tax Preparation at the Mason District TaxAide Super Site!
The Mason District TaxAide Super Site is open for the 2025 tax season, providing FREE tax preparation assistance for individuals of all ages, especially older adults and those with low-to-moderate income.
✅Walk-ins Welcome – No Appointment Needed!
✅Most returns completed same day while you wait!
📍 Location:
Mason District Governmental Center
6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA
🕒 Hours of Operation:
- Monday & Thursday: 1 PM – 8 PM
- Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:30 AM – 1 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM – 1 PM
🌐 Languages Available:
Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese & more!
📄 Get Your Intake Packet & Forms:
👉 Download Here
📞 For limited appointments or more information, call: 703-249-9961
What to Bring:
- All tax documents
- Government-issued photo ID
- Social Security cards for everyone listed on the return
- Last year’s tax return (if available)
Deadlines:
- Federal returns due April 15, 2025
- Virginia state returns due May 1, 2025
A huge thank you to our volunteers for making tax season stress-free for so many in our community!
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📢 Join Us for the Mason District Virtual Budget Town Hall! 📢 | | |
Fairfax County’s budget sets the course for essential services like schools, public safety, housing, and transportation, and we want to hear from YOU!
Join Supervisor Andres Jimenez, Mason District School Board Member Dr. Ricardy Anderson, and County Executive Bryan Hill for a virtual town hall where we’ll break down key budget priorities, discuss investments in Mason District, and answer your questions live.
📅 Date: March 26, 2025
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📺 Watch Live:
▶️ Fairfax County Channel 16
▶️ Facebook Live Event
📩 Submit Your Questions:
Don’t miss this chance to stay informed and help shape Fairfax County’s future!
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🎙️ New Episode Alert: Reimagine Mason with Lynette Sappe-Watkins! 🎙️
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The latest episode of Reimagine Mason is here! I had the privilege of sitting down with Lynette Sappe-Watkins, Executive Director of Culmore Clinic, to highlight the incredible work they’re doing to expand healthcare access for uninsured adults right here in Mason District.
In this episode, we cover:
🏥 How Culmore Clinic strengthens community health
🤝 Their dedication to compassionate, equitable care
💡 How YOU can support their mission
🎧 Listen now: Reimagine Mason – Culmore Clinic Episode
✨ Save the Date!
Support Culmore Clinic’s mission by attending their annual Spring Fundraiser: A Work of Heart 🌸
📅 When: May 3, 2025
📍 Where: Hendry House, 2411 24th St. N., Arlington, VA 22207
Enjoy curated wines, hors d’oeuvres, and celebrate the people and patients who make Culmore Clinic special.
🔗 Learn more & get tickets: A Work of Heart Fundraiser
Together, let’s continue advancing healthcare equity and community well-being in Mason District!
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🚣♂️ Justice High School Rowing Team Launches New Quad Boat! | | |
Recently, I had the privilege of joining the Justice High School Rowing Team at Lake Barcroft to celebrate the launch of their brand-new quad rowing boat, an achievement made possible by the incredible generosity of local community partners.
It was inspiring to see firsthand how this investment will empower young athletes, foster teamwork, and build future champions both on and off the water. The Justice Rowing Team continues to exemplify the dedication, resilience, and talent of our students, and I look forward to seeing all they accomplish in future competitions.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making this moment possible. This boat represents more than just victories, it reflects the power of a community coming together to support its young athletes.
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📢 Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub | | |
Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and over 3,800 federal contractors, making our region deeply connected to federal operations. To support those impacted by changes or disruptions in federal services or employment, the Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub provides essential resources for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits, and businesses. Whether you need job search assistance, financial support, or guidance on available county services, this hub is designed to help you navigate current and future challenges.
🔗 Explore resources and support: Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub
Fairfax County is committed to ensuring our workforce and community remain strong, stay informed, and connected!
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Participate in Mason District's SSPA Virtual Community Meetings!
Your input is vital in shaping the future of our community. As part of the 2025 Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process, Fairfax County is hosting a series of virtual community meetings to discuss proposed land use changes within Mason District.
These meetings provide an opportunity to:
- Hear directly from county staff and nominators about each proposal
- Ask questions and provide feedback to help shape the future of our community
- Ensure your voice is heard in discussions about development, traffic, and public spaces,
📍 Mason District SSPA Virtual Community Meeting Schedule
Mason 1:
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Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025
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Time: 7:00 PM
- Nominations to be discussed:
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CPN-2025-I-MA-002 – 6326 Edsall Rd
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CPN-2025-I-MA-007 – 5300 Shawnee Rd
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CPN-2025-I-MA-008 – 5505 Cherokee Ave
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CPN-2025-I-MA-047 – Versar
Mason 2:
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Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
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Time: 7:00 PM
- Nominations to be discussed:
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CPN-2025-I-MA-009 – The Jefferson
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CPN-2025-I-MA-020 – Sears Site, Seven Corners
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CPN-2025-I-MA-023 – Food Star
Mason 3:
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Date: Monday, April 21, 2025
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Time: 7:00 PM
- Nominations to be discussed:
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CPN-2025-I-MA-010 – 7616 Little River Tpke
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CPN-2025-I-MA-022 – 6675 Little River Tpke
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CPN-2025-I-MA-024 – Strawbridge Square
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CPN-2025-I-MA-050 – Lincolnia CBC - B1
These virtual meetings are a critical opportunity to ensure that your voice is heard in shaping the future of Mason District. For the full schedule of SSPA community meetings countywide, and meeting login information please visit:
🔗 Fairfax County SSPA Community Meetings
For more details on the SSPA process, visit:
🔗 2025 Countywide SSPA Process | Planning Development
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⚡ Learn About Proposed Changes to Substation & Battery Energy Storage System Regulations
Fairfax County is considering updates to the Zoning Ordinance that could impact how proposed electrical substations and battery energy storage systems (BESS) are reviewed. These updates aim to strengthen regulations and may introduce new standards addressing setbacks, screening, noise, and safety.
You’re invited to join one of two upcoming virtual community meetings to learn more and provide feedback. Both meetings will present the same information, and no registration is required.
📅 Meeting Dates:
- Monday, April 7 at 12:00 PM
- Tuesday, April 8 at 7:00 PM
🔗 Learn more and find meeting details:
Proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendments | Planning Development
If you’re unable to attend, recordings will be available afterward. For questions or comments, contact Carmen Bishop at carmen.bishop@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-324-1314.
Stay informed and get involved in shaping policies that affect our community!
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Community Drives and Programs | | |
📚 George Mason Friends Semi-Annual Book Sale (April 23–27)
George Mason Friends will host their highly anticipated, semi-annual book sale from Wednesday, April 23 through Sunday, April 27 at the George Mason Regional Library (7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale).
A special preview sale will take place on Wednesday evening (5–8 PM) with a $20 entry fee per adult.
The general sale runs from Thursday through Sunday (10 AM–5:30 PM daily) with free entry.
The sale features high-quality used books, CDs, and DVDs in various categories. Proceeds support Fairfax County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, Library Foundation scholarships, Fall for the Book Festival, and programs/equipment at George Mason Regional Library. Come early for the best selection and return on Sunday for half-price bargains! More details at georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com or contact georgemasonfriends@gmail.com / 703-813-6616.
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Advancing Menstrual Equity: Fairfax County Menstrual Product Drive (March 1 – March 31)
Access to menstrual products is a fundamental health and dignity issue, yet many individuals face barriers to obtaining these essential supplies. To promote menstrual equity, Fairfax County is hosting a Menstrual Product Drive from March 1 – March 31, ensuring that everyone has the resources they need to fully participate in daily life—whether at school, work, or in the community.
📍 How You Can Help:
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Donate Unopened Products: Pads, tampons, panty liners, and other menstrual hygiene supplies.
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Drop-Off Locations: Available throughout Fairfax County.
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Support the Initiative: Contribute items or spread awareness to help ensure equal access for all.
By working together, we can remove barriers, reduce stigma, and create a more equitable community where menstrual health is recognized as a basic necessity—not a privilege.
🔗 Learn more and find donation sites: Fairfax County Menstrual Product Drive!
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Urgent Need for Type O Blood Donors
Inova is facing a critical shortage of Type O blood due to multiple traumatic incidents and medical emergencies. While all blood types are needed, Type O is especially urgent to help patients in critical need.
Make a life-saving difference today by scheduling an appointment. Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit inovablood.org.
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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 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.
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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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