Good afternoon!

I hope this edition of Mason Matters finds you and your family doing well. As we move through the winter season, I want to ensure you stay informed about the many programs and resources available throughout Fairfax County.

One important opportunity to engage is coming up on February 19 at 6 PM at the Mason Government Center, the Public Meeting on the honorary renaming of Little River Turnpike from Hummer to Evergreen. This is a chance for the community to come together, share thoughts, and help shape this meaningful recognition of our local Koreatown. I encourage you to attend and be part of the conversation!

This week’s newsletter is filled with county programs, services, and upcoming opportunities to get involved. Whether it’s community meetings, assistance programs, or workshops, there’s something for everyone.

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 community.

Sincerely,

📚 Celebrate Library Staff Excellence – Nominate Today! 📚



The sixth annual Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) Staff Excellence Awards are here! Our dedicated library staff provide invaluable access to books, resources, and welcoming spaces for the entire community. Now is your chance to show your appreciation by nominating an outstanding library employee for a 2025 Staff Excellence Award.

✨ Nomination Details:

📅 Submission Period: February 3 – February 16

📍 How to Nominate: Submit your nomination via email or in person at your local library.

🏆 Recognition Ceremony: Winners will be honored at the Library Board of Trustees meeting on March 12.

Help us recognize the hardworking individuals who make our libraries such a vital part of the community! Learn more and submit a nomination at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library or contact library staff at wwwlib@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Leaf collection schedule updated

The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program updated its timeline for leaf collection services. 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. 

February 10: Greener Mason Advisory Committee Final Report Presentation

Join us for the Greener Mason Advisory Committee Meeting on Monday, February 10, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Mason Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA).

The committee will present their final report and recommendations on sustainability initiatives and environmental improvements for the Mason District. This is an opportunity to hear their findings, ask questions, and learn about potential next steps in making our community greener and more sustainable.

We encourage all interested community members to attend and be part of the conversation!

Stay Warm This Winter with Crisis Assistance

The Crisis Assistance Program helps households facing energy emergencies, such as having no heat or being in imminent danger of losing heat. Assistance is available for:

• Payment of primary heat source utility bills
• Security deposits for primary heat utilities
• Purchase of primary home heating fuel
• Repair or replacement of inoperable or unsafe heating equipment (homeowners only for replacements)
• Supplemental heating equipment and maintenance

For more information and assistance with applying, visit Need Help with Heat? Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold.

This program ensures families in Fairfax County can stay safe and warm during the coldest months of the year. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance!

Shape the Future of Fairfax County Development

Fairfax County’s Site-Specific Plan Amendment (SSPA) process is your opportunity to help shape the county’s development. Starting Monday, January 13, the nomination period opens, allowing residents and stakeholders to propose changes to specific sites or collections of sites in the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

Resources Available on the SSPA Webpage:

• 2025 Nominators Guide
• SSPA Schedule
• Interactive Eligibility Map
• Community Meeting Recordings for Nominators

The SSPA process empowers the public to propose land use changes and influence the future development of Fairfax County. Visit the SSPA webpage to learn more, submit a nomination, and get involved in the 2025 Countywide SSPA cycle.

Stay informed! Subscribe to the Comprehensive Plan Announcements email list under the “Land Use & Development” heading for updates about this cycle and nomination opportunities.

2025 Business Tax License Workshops

The Department of Tax Administration (DTA) will host 2025 Business Tax License (BPOL) Workshops to assist business owners with completing their online BPOL renewal applications and answering questions.

Mason District Workshop Dates:

• February 20, 2025: 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
• February 26, 2025: 4 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale

To ensure timely assistance, please sign up at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/business or call 703-222-8234, option 4.

Take advantage of this opportunity to get expert guidance on your BPOL renewal!

Hypothermia Prevention Program begins next month

Fairfax County's Hypothermia Prevention Program accommodates adults in need of immediate shelter during the winter months. Folks can receive warm shelter, food, and other support services to connect them with clothes, employment, housing, and more. The program begins on December 1 and runs through March 31, 2025 at various locations across Fairfax County. Services also are available for adults with children.

If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think that they are at risk of hypothermia, call the Fairfax County Police Department's non-emergency number at 703-691-2131. A police officer will respond and conduct a wellness check. Learn more.

🎭 Family-Friendly Performances & Summer Camps! 🎭

Join us for exciting live performances and engaging summer camps perfect for young theater enthusiasts!

🎟️ Upcoming Performances (March 15 – 23)

• Treasure Island – A thrilling adventure on the high seas! 🏴‍☠️
• Orlando – A captivating journey through time and identity.

🎭 Summer Camps & Conservatories

🌞 Day Camps @ Tysons Corner Center (Grades 2-5)

🌙 Sleepaway Camps @ Christchurch Boarding School in Virginia’s Northern Neck (Grades 4-12)

Whether your child wants to explore the stage, build confidence, or develop new skills, these performances and camps offer something for everyone!

Learn more and secure your spot today: Traveling Players

Free AARP Tax Assistance at Mason District Governmental Center

Starting January 30, 2025, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will return to the Mason District Governmental Center, located at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, to provide free tax preparation services for clients of all ages.

Walk-ins Welcome: Most tax returns are completed in one visit with the client present.

Limited Appointments: Starting January 20, you can call (703) 249-9961 at least two days in advance to schedule an appointment. Leave a message, and your call will be returned within one business day.

Prepare Ahead: Clients are encouraged to complete a Tax Preparation Intake Packet before arrival. Packets will be available starting January 20:

• Pick up: Inside the first entry doors at the Mason District Governmental Center (look under the bulletin board).
• Download: Visit novataxaide.org/sites/Mason to print and complete the packet.

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)

Clients will be interviewed, and their tax returns will be prepared and reviewed by IRS-certified counselors. After reviewing and signing, clients will receive a copy of their electronically filed return.

Hours of Operation:

• Mondays & Thursdays: 1–8 p.m.
• Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Saturdays: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
• Note: Closed Monday, February 19, for Presidents' Day.

Deadlines:

• Federal tax returns are due April 15, 2025.
• Virginia state tax returns are due May 1, 2025.

Don’t miss this opportunity for free, professional tax assistance!

Make a Difference: Volunteer with GrandInvolve to Support Local Students



GrandInvolve places older adults as classroom volunteers in Title I Fairfax County elementary schools to support the education of our most vulnerable schoolchildren. The program also aims to prevent social isolation and reduce ageism by fostering intergenerational connections.

Classroom assistants are needed in Alexandria and Falls Church. Bilingual abilities in Spanish are highly valued but not required.

For more information, view the attached flyer or visit bit.ly/GrandInvolveCA to sign up. Questions? Contact NCS-Volunteers@FairfaxCounty.gov.

🛒 Help Fight Hunger in Fairfax County!

Join the Stuff the Bus campaign and support local food banks by donating non-perishable food items. Together, we can feed hope and make a difference in our community!

📍 Mason District Donation Location:

• Saturday, March 1
• Location: Giant, 7137 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
• Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Benefiting: ACCA

These are just two of the many Stuff the Bus collection locations throughout Fairfax County. To find other locations and learn how you can help, visit Stuff the Bus.

Let’s come together as a community to fight hunger!

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.

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. 

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.