Ho Ho Ho, Mason District!

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.

Please note that the Mason District Office will be closed December 24–26 and again December 31–January 1. We look forward to serving you in the new year!

Here is what we have happening in and around Mason and what's to see in today's Mason Matters:

Around the District

From Hill Legislative Lobbying Day on behalf of Fairfax County, to the inauguration of the new Braddock District Supervisor, to a joint meeting with the Park Authority, Mason District is buzzing with energy, learning, and hands-on experiences that make our community thrive!

Helpful Resources

Stay informed with public safety updates, inclement weather alerts, invasive species notices, emergency food access, and more.

Upcoming in Mason & Fairfax

Make sure to check out our list of upcoming events, both in Mason District and around the county, that you won't want to miss.

Holiday Donations and Drives

Want to give back this holiday season? Keep reading to find a list of local drives and ways to support our community during the holiday season.

Thank you as always to all who make these moments possible. Your volunteering, participating, or simply showing up to support your neighbors is greatly appreciated and helps build a Mason District defined by connection, pride, and opportunity.

As always, please reach out to my office at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or at our main phone line - 703-256-7717 if we can be of service.

Sincerely,

Advocating for workers, transportation, and housing priorities

After finalizing the legislative program at last week’s Board meeting, I, along with county staff, and our federal lobbyist team visited the offices of Senators and House Representatives representing Fairfax County.

The team shared the County’s priorities and concerns, including support for federal workers and contractors, transportation funding, and sustainable, affordable housing.

Honoring Disability Advocates

I was honored to join the 2025 Martha Glennan Awards, hosted by the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board (FA-DSB), which works to include people with disabilities in community life, monitor compliance with disability rights laws, and advocate for civil rights. The awards celebrate residents making a real difference in advancing opportunities for people with disabilities.

It was especially exciting to see Mason District resident Ryan Hill recognized with the award for the Self-Advocate category. Congratulations to Ryan and all the honorees for their inspiring work!

Collaborating to Support Fairfax Firefighters and Public Safety

I had the pleasure of joining Local 2068 firefighters at their legislative luncheon to review upcoming General Assembly priorities. We discussed protections for surviving families currently excluded from death benefits, expanded cancer screenings, and collective bargaining.

It was a great opportunity to hear directly from our local firefighters and reinforce Mason District’s commitment to public safety, workforce development, and working collaboratively with legislators to support our community.

Building Partnerships with Our Neighbors

I was pleased to welcome Rachna Sizemore Heizer at her inauguration on Tuesday as the new Braddock District Supervisor and a new colleague on the Board of Supervisors. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our board, and we are lucky to have her. I look forward to working with Rachna as Braddock and Mason are neighboring districts, and together we can continue to serve our communities effectively and collaboratively.

This week, I was sworn in to the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo), continuing Fairfax County’s strong voice at the state level. VACo plays a critical role in advocating for local governments across the Commonwealth, and I look forward to working with colleagues from across Virginia to advance policies that support our residents and communities.

Collaborating to Deliver for Fairfax County

I joined my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors and the School Board for a reception and work session with members of our General Assembly. We had an open exchange of ideas, needs, and priorities to tackle the real challenges affecting our shared constituents and to strengthen collaboration with our legislators.

Our goal remains the same: to work together to deliver meaningful results for Fairfax County and the Northern Virginia region—continuing the productive partnerships we’ve built over the years.

Celebrating the Season with Team Spirit

I wrapped up the week with the Mason District staff for a holiday lunch at Duangrats Thai.

We enjoyed a fun Secret Santa, reflected on the year, and shared some laughs together. Our staff works tirelessly to serve our residents, and I’m grateful for all their hard work and dedication this year.

Find One-of-a-Kind Gifts from Local Artists

Searching for a meaningful, one-of-a-kind holiday gift? Stop by Artisans United, a local craft and gift gallery featuring handmade items created by talented local artists.

From unique décor to thoughtful gifts, it’s the perfect place to shop local and support the arts this holiday season.

Visit the Craft Gallery:

4022 Hummer Road, Annandale, VA 22003

Fred M. Packard Center, Annandale Community Park

Hours:

Monday–Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Questions? Call 703-941-0202

Winter Hypothermia Prevention & Emergency Shelter

From December 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, Fairfax County’s Hypothermia Prevention Program provides adults in need with warm shelter, meals, and supportive services, including connections to clothing, employment, housing, and other

essential resources.

If there are adults with children in need of shelter, please contact Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) at 703-222-0880, and County staff will connect families with the appropriate shelter and support resources.

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 nearby food pantries, community meal sites, and assistance programs across

the county.

In addition, a new feature on the map allows residents to easily find locations where they can donate non-perishable items or fresh produce, making it simpler for community members to give back during the holiday season.

Visit fairfaxcounty.gov/health/food-access to learn more and find support close

to home.

Helpsy Textile Collection Bins Now at I-95 Landfill Complex

Residents can now drop off clean, odor-free textiles—including clothes, shoes, and other fabrics—at new Helpsy collection bins at the I-95 Landfill Complex in Lorton.

Since the pilot began in February 2025 at the I-66 Transfer Station, nearly 98,700 pounds (49.3 tons!) of textiles have been diverted from landfills and incineration. Bins are located in the residential recycling center next to the food waste station.

Questions? Contact Catherine.Torgersen@FairfaxCounty.gov.

Celebrate a Mindful Holiday Season

Looking for ways to enjoy the holidays without the expense, stress, or waste? Check out Clean Fairfax's Resources on how to make the holiday season more sustainable for you and your loved ones.

Check out the website here, or click to view the Sustainable Holidays presentation.

Bush Honeysuckle

Check your yard for four species of bush honeysuckles Lonicera maackii (Amur), L. morrowii (Morrow’s), L. tartarica (Tartarian), and L. X bela (Belle’s). All these bush honeysuckle species originated from Eurasia and were brought to the US during the

late 1800s.

Bush honeysuckle species grow densely, crowding out native plants and disrupting the food webs that insects and birds rely on. Serious infestations of bush honeysuckle species can inhibit tree regeneration, essentially stopping forest succession.

More information on bush honeysuckle identification and management can be

found here. 

Brought to you by Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance (FIRA)

Pet Food Pantry Open

To help support families in need, the Mason District Animal Wellfare Alliance launched a Pet Food Pantry at the Mason District Government Center. Residents in need are welcome to stop by and pick up pet food.

If you’re able, donations of unopened wet or dry pet food are greatly appreciated and help keep this resource available for our community.

Food collection bins are now set up at three convenient locations:

• Playful Pack (Barcroft Plaza Shopping Center)
• Columbia Pike Animal Hospital
• Mason District Government Center