Good afternoon, Mason District!

May has flown by, and I’ve enjoyed celebrating a number of exciting initiatives and events with our residents. From commemorating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, to recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, to highlighting Older Americans Month, it has been a meaningful and busy few weeks.

As we head into summer, I am thrilled to announce the lineup for the Mason District Summer Concert Series: Spotlight by Starlight. Concerts will take place at 7:30 PM in Mason District Park. Entry is free, and all concerts are family‑friendly. While we know that previous years included a larger number of performances, countywide budget considerations have reduced all district series to eight concerts. The good news: this allows us to bring in a fantastic selection of bands. Mark your calendars, follow the performers on social media, and get ready for a great season of music in the park. Keep reading for the full lineup, dates, and additional details.

I’m also pleased to share that the new Mason District Capital Bikeshare stations have been installed. Check out this video on YouTube featuring myself—and even my chief of staff—testing out the new wheels. These additions represent an important step forward in expanding accessible transportation options throughout our Cultural Hub.

Stay tuned for more updates as we move through the summer. Remember to stay safe, and thank you for staying engaged with the Mason District.

If my office can be of assistance, please reach out at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or call our main line at 703‑256‑7717.

Sincerely,

Thanking the dedicated community members who help our libraries thrive

I had the pleasure of celebrating our incredible volunteers at the Library Volunteer Appreciation Lunch at Thomas Jefferson Library.

We are deeply grateful for the time, energy, and care our volunteers give year-round to support our libraries and strengthen our community.

Their dedication helps create welcoming spaces where residents of all ages can learn, connect, and grow.

Our libraries truly thrive because of these volunteers, and we thank them for everything they do to make the Fairfax County Public Library system such a special resource for residents.

Engaging conversations on community priorities in Mason District



It was wonderful to once again join residents at the Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads Resident Town Hall for an engaging and thoughtful conversation about the issues impacting Mason District and Fairfax County.

Our discussion covered a wide range of topics, including the Board’s ongoing commitment to sustainable and affordable housing, efforts to address and prevent gun violence, transportation and parking concerns, and the importance of preserving and supporting the diverse communities that make Mason District so special.

I also had the opportunity to share highlights from my recently completed tour of every school in Mason District. Visiting each school provided invaluable insight into the unique strengths, challenges, and opportunities facing our students, teachers, and families, and reinforced the importance of continued investment in public education and community partnerships.

In addition, we discussed the recent article I wrote in coordination with Executive Director Hwan Yi, which highlighted important community priorities and ongoing efforts to strengthen engagement and collaboration across the district.

Thank you again to the residents of Goodwin House Bailey’s Crossroads for the warm welcome, thoughtful questions, and continued engagement. Conversations like these help ensure we remain connected to the priorities and experiences of our community.

Helping students access food, supplies, and essential resources

As part of our summer donation drive, our staff recently visited the Wolf Shack at Justice High School to meet the incredible volunteers working to support students and families throughout the year.

The PTSA-sponsored Wolf Shack serves as an in-school food and resource pantry providing free essentials—including food, toiletries, clothing, school supplies, and after-school snacks—to approximately 500–600 students each month. Justice High School is currently the only Title I high school in Fairfax County, with more than 70% of students qualifying for free or reduced-price services.

Residents can support the Wolf Shack by purchasing needed items through their Amazon wish list and even setting up recurring donations of essential supplies. Those interested in volunteering can contact the Wolf Shack team at wolfshack@justicehsptsa.org.

Emergency Food Providers

The Fairfax Food Access Program connects residents with local resources that make it easier to find affordable, healthy meals. You can also explore the Emergency Food Access Providers Map to locate food pantries, community meal sites, and assistance programs across the county.

Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/health/food-access to learn more.

Senior Cool Care Program Returns for Summer

The Senior Cool Care Program is now accepting inquiries to help eligible older adults stay cool this summer. Through this program, low-income residents age 60 and older may qualify to receive fans or window air conditioning units to provide additional cooling at home during the hottest months of the year.

The program runs from May 1 through October 31 and is sponsored through a partnership between Dominion Energy, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging.

Additional Cooling Assistance programs are also available for eligible households with seniors, young children, or individuals with disabilities. Residents interested in learning more can contact the Aging, Disability & Caregiver Resources Line at 703-324-7948.

Learn valuable safety skills and connect with local police officers

The West Springfield District Station will host several free community programs and safety trainings throughout June and July, giving residents opportunities to connect with officers and learn practical safety skills.

Upcoming events include a Community Engagement Meeting on June 2, Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training on June 10, a Personal Safety presentation on June 25, and a special Personal Safety session for college-bound students on July 11. Additional trainings on Neighborhood Watch and avoiding scams and fraud will also be offered later this summer.

These programs are designed to help residents stay informed, prepared, and connected to public safety resources in our community. Most events are free and open to the public with no registration required.

Enjoy free live music all summer long at Mason District Park

The Mason District Summer Concert Series is back with another exciting season of free live performances featuring local favorites, orchestras, tribute bands, and more. Bring your friends, family, blankets, and lawn chairs and enjoy music under the stars all summer long.

This year’s lineup includes:

• June 26 – The Fabulous Hazards

• July 10 – Cougar Beatrice

• July 17 – Falls Church Concert Band

• July 24 – Gotcha Covered

• July 31 – NOVA Symphony Orchestra

• August 7 – Kiti Gartner and The Valentines

• August 14 – Pat McGee Band

• August 24 – Orquestra Tropikiimba

Check out the full lineup and concert flyer for more information on performances and event details.

Join the Annandale Toastmasters!



Join the Annandale Toastmasters Club next Thursday, June 4 at 7:30 PM for a special online guest presentation featuring NOVA Food Rescue.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about local food recovery efforts and community impact while connecting with residents from across Mason District.

Founded in 1960, Annandale Toastmasters has helped generations of members become stronger communicators, leaders, and public speakers. Whether you are looking to grow professionally, build confidence, or expand your community connections, guests are always welcome.

Join the meeting here: Annandale Toastmasters Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 844 8366 8775

Passcode: 151842

Composting at Fairfax County Farmers Markets

Fairfax County is highlighting its growing compost collection program at all 10 Park Authority Farmers Markets. Residents can conveniently drop off food scraps—including fruits, vegetables, coffee grounds, eggshells, and more—to help reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

Since expanding countywide in 2023, the program has collected more than 438,000 pounds of food waste, transforming scraps into nutrient-rich compost that supports healthier soil and plants.

Composting is a simple way for residents to make a meaningful environmental impact while supporting a more sustainable Fairfax County.

Residents can conveniently drop off compost every Thursday at the Annandale Farmers Market at Mason District Park from 8 AM to 12 PM.

YARD WATCH: Tree of Heaven (Ailanthius altissima)

Tree of Heaven is a tree native to China and was first introduced to the eastern US in the late 1700s and used extensively as a street tree. Its ability to grow from roots and stumps, to grow just about anywhere, and prolific seeding makes it a major nuisance to farmers, homeowners and foresters alike. Identification information, along with native look-alikes, can be found here.

Tree of Heaven takes away space from native plants by being allelopathic, which means it spreads a chemical in the ground that inhibits the growth of other plants. It is also the host plant of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive insect also native to China. The spotted lanternfly feasts on soft-bodied fruits like grapes, reducing the incomes of farmers.

Control of the Tree of Heaven is rather problematic. Small seedlings can be dug up, taking care to remove all the rootlets. However larger trees need to be treated with herbicide using methods such as basal bark spray, hack-and-squirt or foliar spray. For more information on herbicide application check the Blue Ridge PRISM’s fact sheet here and the University of Maryland's extension office here.

Native alternatives to the Tree of Heaven can be found here.

Brought to you by Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance

Student Member Wanted for the Commission for Women

The Fairfax County Commission for Women is seeking a high school or college student to serve as a voting member of the Commission for one or two school terms.

This is a unique opportunity for students interested in leadership, advocacy, and public service to help elevate issues impacting young women and girls across Fairfax County.

The student member will also help connect schools and student organizations with the work of the Commission and bring youth perspectives into important community conversations.

Learn more at Fairfax County Commission for Women and apply here: Student Member Application

Congressman James Walkinshaw is inviting high school students across Virginia’s 11th Congressional District to apply for the 2026 Youth Leadership Council.

Open to public, private, and homeschooled students in grades 9–12, the program gives young people the opportunity to engage directly with the work of Congress while building leadership, civic engagement, and policy skills.

Participants will discuss issues affecting the community, debate legislation, develop policy recommendations, and hear from guest speakers through a mix of virtual and in-person meetings running from September through December 2026.

Applications open May 1 and close June 30 at 5 PM. Learn more and apply through Congressman Walkinshaw’s website.

Celebrating the stories and cultures that shape Fairfax County



Fairfax County Public Library is inviting students ages 5–18 to participate in an Immigrant Heritage Month art contest celebrating the diverse communities that make Fairfax County special.

Students can create artwork inspired by prompts such as “Home means…,” “This is my family’s journey,” and “Many cultures, one community.”

Winning artwork will be featured in an exhibit, and all submissions will be included in a virtual gallery. Entries will be accepted online from May 15 through June 15, 2026, with winners announced on June 27. Open to students who live or study in Fairfax County.

Help local students start the school year prepared and confident

The Mason District Police Station is once again hosting “Stuff the Cruiser,” a community backpack drive supporting students ahead of the new school year. Residents are encouraged to donate new or gently used backpacks on Saturday, June 13, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Target located at 5115 Leesburg Pike.

Every donation helps provide local children with the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn and succeed. Join us in supporting students and families across our community by helping make a difference—one backpack at a time.

This year, all of the FCPD organizations are working together as a collective to pool resources so we can reach as many students as possible.

If you are planning a back-to-school supply event, please reach out to us at FCPDMasonCPO@fairfaxcounty.gov so you can join the coordinated effort.

Donate essential items and help students this summer

Our office is proud to host a donation bin at the Mason District Government Center to support the Wolf Shack at Justice High School—a PTSA-sponsored, in-school pantry providing free food, toiletries, clothing, school supplies, and more to students in need.

Since opening in 2022, the Wolf Shack has grown into a vital, stigma-free resource serving thousands of students each month.

As demand continues to rise, we are collecting new, unopened, and unexpired toiletry items to help students over the summer. Please consider donating items like deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shampoo, soap, and other personal care essentials.

There are many ways to support the Wolf Shack: make a financial contribution, donate items directly, purchase from their wishlist, organize a drive, or volunteer your time. Every contribution helps ensure students have the resources they need to succeed.