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Thursday, November 14, 2024 | | | | |
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Good afternoon!
I hope you and your family are enjoying this crisp Fall weather. Below you'll find the latest updates on everything Mason, from upcoming events and exciting projects to transportation news and much more.
As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance. My office can be reached at 703-256-7717 or by emailing Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Sincerely,
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Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Left column: I got to spend some time last week touring the Hidden Oaks Nature Center! From a kids’ little library and animal displays to a whole network of trails and gardens, there’s something for everyone at this Fairfax County Park Authority location. You can learn more about them and their various programs here.
Right column: Kip Germain was a longtime Mason District resident and a staple in the Annandale Boys & Girls Club. Though he passed earlier this year, the ABGC Soccer Program has kept his memory alive. I was thrilled to stop by their Soccer Festival this past weekend to honor Kip's legacy. You can learn more about his story and the ABGC program here.
Bottom row, right: I got to join the Mason Station officers of the Fairfax County Police Department for their annual Trunk or Treat event, and I was thrilled that hundreds of folks came out to attend! Thank you to our great officers.
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Join Supervisor Andres Jimenez for a Health Care Fair from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, November 23 at the Mason Governmental Center in Annandale.
This event will feature free take-home items including Naloxone, medication boxes, gun & trigger safety locks, drug deactivation kits, and reading glasses. Participating organizations also will offer free screenings for hearing, speech, Hepatitis, and HIV. The event also will feature information on substance abuse and mental health, dementia & caregiver support, the Stronger Memory Program, local dental screenings & reduced-costs clinics. We hope to see you there!
WHEN: 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, November 23, 2024
WHERE: Mason Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
RSVP: Using this link, by emailing Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov, or calling 703-256-7717
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Fairfax County's annual celebration of Fairfax Recycles Day is this weekend! Come out to learn about the various recycling programs offered by Fairfax County, as well as the Zero-Waste vision helping divert trash from landfills. This is a family-friendly event that also will feature a touch-a-truck program for kids. Residents can drop off household batteries, glass, textiles, food waste, plastic bags, and E-waste (up to 24" x 24") including computers, laptops, hard drives, toner/ink cartridges, cell phones, power supplies, audio equipment, and snacks. Learn more.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, November 16
WHERE: Gerry Hyland Government Center (South County Building parking lot) (8350 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22309)
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Mason Works: Information for businesses & job seekers
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Upcoming events for entrepreneurs, job seekers, employers, and small business owners:
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Things to Do: Events & community activities
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Green Corner: The latest environmental news in Mason
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Deadline extended: Charge Up Fairfax offers help for HOAs installing EV chargers
Community associations in Fairfax County interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations for their residents can apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement through the Charge Up Fairfax program through the extended deadline of Sunday, November 17. Learn more.
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Solar Switch helps residents, small businesses get solar panels
Capitol-area residents and small businesses can apply for the Solar Switch program to help install rooftop solar panels and battery storage. The signup period ends Friday, November 22. Learn more.
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Energy efficiency and composting webinar available for houses of worship
The Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination will host a webinar for churches and other places of worship about the financial assistance available for energy efficiency updates. These projects can help decrease operating costs and promote composting among congregants. The webinar will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19. Learn more.
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Arts Corner: Exciting updates about Mason District arts
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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.
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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 are ongoing through April 2025. Learn more.
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Parents Corner: News & events for families
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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.
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Open Call: Nominations, contests & more
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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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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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Police Department holiday gift card drive
As we approach the holiday season, the Fairfax County Police Department's Victim Services Division is collecting gift cards for its 11th annual holiday gift card drive. Donations go directly toward children affected by domestic and sexual violence.
This past year, the Victim Services Division has worked diligently on over 350 cases involving child victims, witnesses of violence, and children who have tragically lost loved ones to homicide. Unfortunately, many of these courageous children face significant challenges during the holidays due to the financial strain on their families.
From now until Friday, December 14, we are collecting gift cards for both young children and teenagers from stores such as Target, Amazon, Safeway, Walmart, Grocery, TJ Maxx, Target, Kohl’s, as well as local eateries and clothing outlets. These gift cards will empower parents and guardians to select gifts and essential items that their children might otherwise go without.
Gift cards can be dropped off or mailed to: Saly Fayez, 12099 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA 22035. For questions or more information, contact Saly.Fayez@fairfaxcounty.gov.
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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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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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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. | |
FCDOT to hold public meetings on Gallows Road study
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation will hold multiple in-person meetings to discuss improving multimodal mobility along the Gallows Road corridor from Tysons to Annandale. Each meeting will focus on a specific portion of the corridor. The remaining meetings will be held today, Thursday, November 14, and next Thursday, November 21. FCDOT will host a virtual Q&A session on Thursday, December 5 for anyone who could not attend the in-person meetings. Learn more.
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Driving tips for darker evenings
The transition to darker evening conditions can heighten the risk of vehicle collisions, especially those involving cyclists and pedestrians. The Virginia Department of Transportation shared safety tips to protect drivers and pedestrians:
- Aim your headlights correctly, and make sure they’re clean.
- Dim your dashboard.
- Look away from oncoming lights.
- Clean the windshield to eliminate streaks.
- Slow down to compensate for limited visibility. 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 Friday, December 20. Learn more.
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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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November Code Compliance Corner
Fairfax County's Code Compliance released its monthly newsletter, and this edition features information about crime prevention and safety through outdoor lighting. It also includes Zoning Ordinance information about holiday lights. Learn more.
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Give your feedback: Plan Forward project assesses land use, housing, and transportation policies
Fairfax County is updating policies that guide how land is developed in our region. Those policies affect housing, transportation, sustainability, land use, and quality of life for our residents. Plan Forward is the new multi-year project to update those policies, and several community meetings are scheduled for next month to get resident feedback. Learn more.
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Heating program accepting applications
The Fuel Assistance Program is accepting applications to help households heat their homes as temperatures drop. The application period runs through the second Friday in November. Learn more.
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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.
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Beware of fake shredding events at county facilities
Residents have recently reported arriving at Fairfax County facilities for shredding events that were falsely advertised on a suspicious website. These events are not associated with the county and we urge you to take steps to avoid misinformation and potential scams. Here are some helpful tips to avoid shredding scams:
- On-Site and Off-site Shredding: Verify if shredding will happen on-site and in front of you or at another location. Reputable companies will take the documents in locked boxes then provide a certificate of destruction or allow you to watch your documents being shredded. Stay vigilant and check the county’s website, social media channels or confirm with county facilities to make sure an event is legitimate before attending.
- Verify Community Events: Occasionally, a community group may hold an event at a county facility, so contact the group to confirm.
- Verify the Shredding Company: If it's a private company, make sure the company is reputable by checking with the Better Business Bureau. Learn more.
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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! | |
Gary Claus is coming to town!
The officers of Mason District station are collecting toys for community kids in need. Officers are seeking new, unwrapped toys, pajamas, and slippers for babies, children, and teens. The items will be distributed to the Culmore and Wadsworth Court communities during their annual Gary Claus event on Saturday, December 14. Items can be dropped off at the Mason District Station (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003).
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