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Friday, June 20, 2025

A Note from Andres

Good afternoon!


I hope you're enjoying the start of June and finding time to get outside as summer settles in. It’s been an exciting and active season in Mason District, and I’m happy to share a few highlights and ways to stay engaged.


In this edition of Mason Matters, you’ll find:


📚 Promoting Health and Literacy at Healthy Together Fairfax

I had the pleasure of joining Healthy Together Fairfax as a celebrity reader, sharing a story with young readers and families. It was a wonderful opportunity to support literacy, promote wellness, and connect with our community in a fun and meaningful way.


⚾ Breaking Ground on a Dream at Westminster School

I was excited to join Westminster School to break ground on their new athletic facility, a project that will provide students with enhanced opportunities for physical education, teamwork, and school spirit. It’s a big step forward for the school and the community.


👥 Connecting with Seniors at Lincolnia Senior Center

It was a joy to spend time with our older residents, listening to their stories and celebrating their continued contributions to the community.


🚣‍♀️ Honoring Justice High School Rowing

A proud moment as we recognized the accomplishments of Justice High’s rowing team and their hard-earned success on the water.


🏘️ Connecting with Neighbors in Broyhill Crest

Community spirit was on full display as residents came together to build stronger neighborhood ties and share local updates.


🎭 Celebrating the Arts and Future Leaders with the Providence Players

We enjoyed an evening of culture and creativity, recognizing a young artist and performer who inspire us all.


🎓 Celebrating the Community Influencers Academy Graduates

Congratulations to this year’s graduates who are already making a difference across Fairfax County with their passion and leadership.


Fairfax County is full of energy this season, and I hope these updates help you stay informed and connected. As always, my office is here to help, please reach out anytime at 703-256-7717 or Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.


Thanks for being an engaged member of our Mason District community. I look forward to seeing you out and about soon!



Sincerely,

Andres Jimenez

Mason District Supervisor

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👟 On the Move with Supervisor Jimenez:  Recent Visits & What’s Ahead

📚 Promoting Health and Literacy at Healthy Together Fairfax

I had a great time serving as a celebrity reader at the recent Healthy Together Fairfax event. There’s nothing better than sharing stories with our youngest residents while encouraging healthy habits, early literacy, and strong community connections.


Thank you to everyone who made this event possible. Fairfax is stronger when we grow together.

⚾ Breaking Ground on a Dream at Westminster School

I was honored to join Westminster School for the official groundbreaking of their Field of Dreams project; a new, state-of-the-art athletic facility that will serve students, families, and the greater community for years to come.


This exciting project was made possible through an Industrial Revenue Bond in partnership with the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, with full support from the Board of Supervisors. I’m proud that we were able to help move this vision forward.


Congratulations to the entire Westminster School community on reaching this incredible milestone. I can’t wait to see the dream take shape!

👥 Connecting with Seniors at Lincolnia Senior Center

I had the pleasure of visiting the Lincolnia Senior Center for a thoughtful and engaging conversation with local seniors. We covered a wide range of topics, from neighborhood safety to accessibility and the support services available to older adults in our community.


I’m grateful to the center’s incredible staff for their warm welcome and continued dedication to our senior residents. Together, we’re building a district that works for everyone, at every stage of life.

🚣‍♀️ Honoring Justice High School Rowing

Earlier this month, I had the honor of recognizing the Justice High School rowing team at the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting for an outstanding season. The team brought home three medals and a trophy at the State Championship and earned a Silver medal at Nationals: their first since 2016!


A special congratulations to the former team captain as he heads off to UVA this fall, and to the new co-captains, John Hemmons and Nick Kish, who will lead the team into next season.


We’re proud of our student-athletes and all they represent: discipline, teamwork, and heart. Go Wolves!

🏘️ Connecting with Neighbors in Broyhill Crest

Thank you to the Broyhill Crest Citizens Association for the warm welcome at your recent meeting. It was a pleasure to connect with neighbors and share updates on the work we’re doing across Mason District.


From community safety to infrastructure improvements, your questions and feedback help shape our priorities. I’m grateful for your continued engagement and look forward to keeping the conversation going.

🎭 Celebrating the Arts and Future Leaders with the Providence Players

This past Friday evening, I had the honor of joining the Providence Players of Fairfax on the James Lee Community Theater stage for a very special moment: the presentation of the Connolly Scholarship Award to Han Nguyen, an inspiring young artist and leader.


This annual tradition celebrates the legacy of public service and community commitment embodied by Congressman Gerry Connolly and his wife, Smitty Connolly, both founding members of the Providence Players. I was proud to stand beside Smitty to recognize Han’s achievements and bright future.


Moments like this are a powerful reminder of why the arts matter. They bring us together, spark meaningful dialogue, and uplift the next generation. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to invest in the arts in Mason District through initiatives like the Mason District Arts Advisory Council and partnerships such as the recent ArtsFairfax Roundtable.


Congratulations again to Han, and thank you to everyone who helps make Mason District a home for creativity, culture, and community.

🎓 Celebrating the Community Influencers Academy Graduates

I was honored to speak at the Community Influencers Academy (CIsA) Graduation Ceremony, held at the Wedgewood Apartments’ Community Room. With 15 outstanding graduates and their families in attendance, the room was full of energy, purpose, and pride.


The CIsA is a six-week, cohort-based program that equips emerging leaders with the tools and support they need to uplift their neighborhoods and address community-identified needs. These graduates are stepping up as local changemakers, ready to be the voice of their communities and improve the livability of the places they call home.


I’m proud to support programs like this that invest in grassroots leadership and build the foundation for a more engaged, empowered Fairfax. Congratulations to all the graduates. I can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make!

Helpful Resources

🚗 A Quick Reminder: Lock Your Car Doors!

Please remember to lock your car doors every time you park, even if it’s just in your driveway or outside your home.


A few simple steps can go a long way:

  • 🔐 Always lock your doors
  • 👜 Remove or hide valuables
  • 🔑 Never leave keys, fobs, or garage remotes inside


These crimes are often crimes of opportunity. Let’s make sure we don’t give anyone the opportunity. Stay safe and thank you for doing your part to help keep Mason District secure.

Summer Safety Tip!

As summer gets into full swing, here’s your friendly reminder to wear sunscreen every day; even when it’s cloudy! Up to 80% of harmful UV rays can pass through cloud cover, meaning you can still get sunburned even when the sun isn’t shining brightly. These rays can damage your skin and increase your risk of skin cancer over time.


Sunscreen is the most effective way to protect yourself from all types of skin cancer, including melanoma, as well as basal and squamous cell carcinomas. Make it a daily habit, and if you want more information, check out the Skin Cancer Foundation's All About Sunscreen page to find the right fit for you and your family.


Help Shape the Future Look of Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners!

The Community Revitalization Section (CRS) and Crossroads and Corners Coalition (C3) are inviting community members to a public workshop to help shape the design of gateway signage and banners for Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners.


📅 Workshop Date: Thursday, June 26

🕕 Time: 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Mason District Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike)


This workshop will present results from the recent community survey and showcase precedent images and design inspirations gathered by graphic design consultants Torti Gallas + Partners and Ashton Design. This is a key step in the design process to ensure the final concepts reflect community values and aesthetics.


Come share your thoughts and help guide the branding and visual identity of two of our community’s most dynamic neighborhoods! Final design concepts will be shared later this summer for additional feedback.


🔗 Learn more on the CRS website

Flood Mitigation Project and Fire & Rescue Training Underway on Barrett Road

As part of the ongoing Tripps Run at Barrett Road Flood Mitigation Project, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will be conducting training exercises at homes located at 6656–6642 Barrett Road beginning May 21, 2025. These training exercises will take place intermittently between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. over the next several weeks and will include both non-destructive and destructive scenarios, followed by home demolition as the project advances.


This essential training provides firefighters with realistic practice in key skills such as search and rescue, ventilation, and hose operations while maintaining strict safety protocols.


The project itself, funded by an $8.9 million grant from the Community Flood Preparedness Fund, aims to reduce property and structural flooding, restore stream stability, and create a new environmental corridor with passive recreational space in the Bel Air neighborhood. Design began in 2023 and will continue alongside the planned mitigation work.


For questions about the training exercises, contact Lt. Andy Martinez at 571-363-9874 or Andres.Martinez@fairfaxcounty.gov. For project-related inquiries, contact Jacob Green at 571-407-6723.

📢 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!

Transportation

🚲 Stay Connected: Active Transportation Newsletter


Did you know that FCDOT’s Active Transportation Program publishes a monthly newsletter? It’s a great way to stay up to date on local events, safety tips, transportation plans, and projects that make walking, biking, and rolling easier and safer across Fairfax County. Whether you’re a regular trail user or just curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, this newsletter is a valuable resource to keep you informed and engaged.


👉 Check it out and subscribe here: Active Transportation Newsletter | Transportation

For road-related issues like potholes, damaged signs, or snow removal, contact VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623), VDOTinfo@vdot.virginia.gov, or my.vdot.virginia.gov. For parking or traffic enforcement concerns, reach out to the Mason District Police Station at (703) 691-2131 or email fcpdparkingenforcement@fairfaxcounty.gov. Your reports help keep our community safe and accessible!

🚧 Check Out VDOT’s 2025 Paving Map


Wondering when your street, or a nearby road, might be repaved? The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has a live paving map for 2025 that lets you track paving projects across the region in real time. It’s a helpful tool to stay informed about planned improvements and potential impacts in your neighborhood.


👉 Explore the map here.

Community Drives and Programs

George Mason University Launches Support Resources for Displaced Federal Workers


George Mason University is offering a comprehensive suite of support services to assist federal employees and their families impacted by job disruptions. These resources are designed to help individuals gain new skills, explore new career paths, and stay engaged with the community.


Available Resources Include:

  • Access to Online Micro-Credentials: Over 90 training courses and certifications are available through Mason Career Academy.
  • Free Entrepreneurial Coaching: Mason Enterprise is providing personalized coaching for those exploring small business opportunities, consulting, or federal contracting.
  • Graduate Application Fee Waivers: Several Mason colleges are waiving application fees for select fall 2025 graduate programs.
  • Complimentary Event Tickets: Free admission to select performances and athletic events during the 2025–26 season, courtesy of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Mason Athletics.


To learn more and access these resources, visit gmu.edu/displaced-workers-support.

Improving Access to Healthy Food in Fairfax County


The Food Access Program works to ensure that all residents in Fairfax County have reliable access to nutritious food. This initiative enhances coordination among local systems and agencies, identifies barriers that prevent food access, and manages grants and contracts that support food distribution across the county.


Whether you’re a resident in need or a partner looking to support equitable food systems, the Food Access Program is here to help.


Scan the QR code for more information.

🐾 Help Bring More Animal Services to Mason District!


We’re excited to announce the formation of the Mason District Animal Welfare Alliance, a new monthly working group dedicated to improving services and support for animals in our community, including pets, wildlife, and companion animals.


This collaborative group will work closely with my office, local agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations to advance county resources, policies, and programs that strengthen animal welfare and promote coexistence in both residential and natural spaces.


Whether you're passionate about expanding access to veterinary care, improving shelter resources, or protecting our wildlife neighbors, this is your chance to make a meaningful impact.


📩 Interested in joining?



Contact Hannah Frank at hannah.frank@fairfaxcounty.gov for more information and to get involved.

Summer Fun for Kids and Teens: Camps, Conservatories, and Family Theatre


Looking for engaging activities for kids and teens this summer? Traveling Players offers nationally awarded acting programs that are perfect for families in and around Mason District.


Summer Camps & Conservatories:

  • Day Camps at Tysons Corner Center (Grades 2–5)
  • Sleepaway Camp at Christchurch Boarding School in Virginia’s scenic Northern Neck (Grades 3–12)


These programs provide a dynamic mix of theatre, creativity, and confidence-building in a supportive, enriching environment.


Family-Friendly Plays:

Enjoy live performances all summer long at Tysons Corner Center, great entertainment for all ages.


Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.


Learn more and register at: www.travelingplayers.org

💼 Job Opening & Volunteer Opportunities with Shepherd’s Center of Annandale-Springfield


The Shepherd’s Center of Annandale-Springfield (SCAS) is looking for a Part-Time Office Manager to join their dedicated team! This is a wonderful opportunity to support an organization that enhances the lives of seniors in our community.


🕒 Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

📄 Job Description & Details: www.shepherdscenter-annandale.org

📧 Email: shepherdscas@vacoxmail.com

📞 Phone: 703-941-1419


SCAS has been serving Annandale and Springfield since 2004, helping seniors stay engaged, productive, and connected through creative programs and services.


Other Ways to Get Involved:

  • 🚗 Drivers: Provide volunteer transportation
  • 🍽️ Lunch N’ Life Committee: Help set up/clean up, plan events, and book speakers
  • 🏛️ Board Members: Help guide SCAS’s mission
  • 🤝 Outreach: Connect with churches and businesses
  • 💰 Fundraising/Grant Writing: Support fundraising efforts


Interested? Call the SCAS office at 703-941-1419 to learn more and start giving back to your community!

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.

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.

Contact Mason District

Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason

Phone: 703-256-7717

Email: Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov

Mason Government Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)

Our office is open M-F from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.