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Thursday, January 9, 2025 | | | | |
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Good afternoon!
I hope this edition of Mason Matters finds you safe and warm following the recent snowstorm. As we welcome the new year, I want to wish you and your family a happy and healthy start to 2025.
If you need assistance or have concerns during this time, my office is here to help. 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 our community in the year ahead.
Sincerely,
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Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Land Development Services | |
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.
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Trash and Recycling Schedule Update
Due to weather conditions, trash and recycling services are operating on a sliding schedule. Please review the updated collection days below:
- Monday, Jan. 6 → Wednesday, Jan. 8
- Tuesday, Jan. 7 → Thursday, Jan. 9
- Wednesday, Jan. 8 → Friday, Jan. 10
- Thursday, Jan. 9 → Saturday, Jan. 11
- Friday, Jan. 10 → Monday, Jan. 13
For additional updates and details, visit County Collection Notices.
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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!
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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.
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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!
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VDOT Maintains the Majority of Our Roads
If you encounter road-related issues, such as potholes, damaged signs, or snow removal concerns, please reach out to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). They are responsible for maintaining the majority of roads in our area.
Here’s how you can report a problem:
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Parking and Traffic Enforcement Requests
For parking or traffic enforcement needs, reach out to the Mason District Police Station. They can assist in coordinating patrols during key times to address concerns in your area
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Your reports help maintain safety and accessibility in our community.
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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.
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Mason District is served by multiple stations of Fairfax County Police Department that include Mason, Franconia, McLean, and West Springfield. We encourage you to sign up for your station's newsletter! | | | | |
Community Drives and Programs | |
Donate coats & shoes
Our office is collecting new shoes and winter coats to help support the Bailey's Homeless Shelter. Drop off donations at the 24/7 lobby drop box at the Mason Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). For questions, please contact Chris Delta at Christine.Delta@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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New Hope Housing 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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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.
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The English Empowerment Center Spring 2025 Course Offerings: English Classes Enrollment
📚 In-Person Classes
Available in Alexandria, Annandale, Culmore, Falls Church, Fairfax, Herndon, Lorton, Mount Vernon, and Reston.
- Sign Up:
- James Lee Community Center (2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church, VA 22042)
- Tuesday, December 17th, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
- Additional registration opportunities will be available at each location in January (limited space).
- Writing classes and classes at Fairfax Regional Library, Lorton Community Center, and Culmore United Methodist will register in January only.
📚 💻 Intensive Classes
- Register In Person:
- City of Alexandria Workforce Development Center (4850 Mark Center Dr, 6th floor, Alexandria, VA 22311)
- Wednesday, December 18th, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Literacy level meets in person, while Beginning and Intermediate Levels meet virtually. Laptops are available for loan during the course.
💻 Online Classes
- Registration begins on January 6, 2025.
Stay Updated
For schedule updates and reminders about these classes, please fill out the Interest Form.
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Exciting Classes & Camps for Kids and Teens
Looking for engaging activities for kids and teens? Check out these upcoming acting classes, plays, and summer camps from Traveling Players that offer creative opportunities and fun experiences for students in grades 2-12!
Acting Classes
- Grades 2–12
- Perfect for young performers to explore their passion for acting and drama!
Winter Plays
- Treasure Island (Grades 4–8)
- Orlando (Grades 8–12)
Summer Camps & Conservatories
- Day Camps: Tysons Corner Center (Grades 2–5)
- Sleepaway Camps: Christchurch Boarding School in Virginia’s Northern Neck (Grades 4–12)
These programs provide a great way for kids and teens to learn new skills, make friends, and have fun.
For more details or to register, visit Traveling Players.
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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!
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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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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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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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