Good afternoon, Mason District!

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through May. This month, Fairfax County recognizes both Mental Health Awareness Month and Older Americans Month, and I encourage you to take a moment to review available mental health resources, including the 9-8-8 hotline. If you or a loved one is struggling, please know that support is available.

In honor of Older Americans Month, I also want to share why increasing access to the arts remains one of my priorities as your supervisor. Mason District has the largest senior population in Fairfax County, which also means a higher number of residents at risk for rising senior scams. Expanding access to the arts is more than cultural enrichment—it’s a protective tool. Creative engagement strengthens social connection, supports long‑term brain health, and helps keep our loved ones safe.

You can see this commitment throughout the Cultural Hub, from our ongoing mural initiatives to the Art in Public Space exhibit at the Mason District Government Center. I invite you to read the full article and reflect on how you’re incorporating creativity, connection, and culture into your life.

This edition of the Mason Matters newsletter is full of updates and resources—thank you for taking the time to stay informed. As always, if there is anything our office can assist you with, we are just a phone call or email away.

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

Sincerely,

Fresh, Local, and Community‑Driven

The Annandale Farmers Market is officially open for the season! As of Thursday, May 7, the market is now operating at Mason District Park every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. through November. My team and I had a wonderful morning picking up fresh, local produce, enjoying delicious empanadas, and speaking with Fairfax County Park Authority volunteers and staff about how residents can use their SNAP benefits at the market.

Expanding access to fresh, affordable, and healthy food is central to our mission, and the Farmers Market continues to be a key partner in making that possible for families across Mason District.

Celebrating Outstanding Volunteer Service



I was honored to present the 2026 Community Champion Award to Nancy Moy for her exceptional volunteer service with ACCA, where she has been a dedicated leader since 2014. In 2025 alone, Nancy contributed more than 500 volunteer hours (the equivalent of 62 days!), organized a partnership with Food Rescue DC to redirect surplus food to families in need, supported local food drives, expanded community outreach, connected residents to essential resources, and collaborated with the Fairfax Diaper Bank to support our youngest neighbors.

This event, hosted by Volunteer Fairfax, celebrated an outstanding volunteer from each district—and Nancy’s impact exemplifies what it means to be a true community leader in the Mason District. Her commitment strengthens our safety net, uplifts families, and reflects the very best of our community.

Honoring 50 Years of Green Springs

Exciting day at Green Spring Gardens as we unveiled the new Moon Gate installation, created to commemorate 50 years of the gardens bringing peace, reflection, and natural beauty to our urban environment.

This moon gate was placed in the Asian‑inspired garden as both a cultural symbol and a tribute to Beatrix Farrand, the original Green Spring Garden designer, who incorporated a moon gate into one of her 1942 garden designs in Maine.

This project was made possible through the partnership and dedication of the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Garden Club of Fairfax, the Friends of Green Spring, and many others who continue to nurture and elevate this beloved community treasure.

Looking forward to the next 50 years of beauty, culture, and connection at Green Spring Gardens.

Connecting with Neighbors

I had such a fun time at the Fairmont Gardens Community Cookout — a wonderful opportunity to connect with residents, friends, and neighbors. Events like this remind me how important it is to build community connection, share good food, and enjoy time together. And of course, I was glad to get in a little practice on my pupusa‑flipping skills.

Community Priorities and Conversations



Last night I had the pleasure of attending the Jefferson Village Civic Association Annual Meeting and speaking with neighbors about community priorities with neighbors about community priorities and local concerns that matter most to them.

We talked about legislative goals, supporting the arts, murals, supporting small business, and transportation safety. The backdrop of The Italian Cafe was perfect and the food was great. Thank you to the owner and staff for their hospitality.

I’m grateful for the neighborhood's thoughtful questions. These conversations and the chance to work with residents on solutions are a great opportunity and an example of the strong sense of partnership that continues to shape the Mason District. 

Celebrating Creativity, Connection, and Community

Thank you to Mason District Arts, ArtsFairfax, the Lincolnia Senior Center, NCS for having me at the reception and opening of the new art installation at the Lincolnia Senior Center.

As I shared in my recent article on arts and seniors, creative engagement is a powerful way to build community, support healthy aging, and help protect older adults from isolation—one of the key drivers behind the rise in senior scams. This exhibit embodies that purpose beautifully.

It was also wonderful to see the new mural and continue celebrating art in public spaces—a defining part of what makes the Mason District the Cultural Hub of Fairfax County.

Thank you again for the warm welcome.

Celebrating One Year of Noticentro

Noticentro is celebrating its first year of providing critical Fairfax County updates entirely in Spanish, helping to reduce barriers and ensure more residents can access important information and resources. Since its launch, the newsletter has grown to more than 600 subscribers, reflecting a strong and growing demand for accessible, language-inclusive communication.

Find Your New Best Friend

Get ready, Mason District— Empty the Shelters is officially underway! From May 15–17, all adoption fees are waived at every Fairfax County Animal Services campus. This is part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s 10th anniversary event, joining more than 335 shelters across 39 states to help pets find loving homes.

Whether you’re looking to adopt a cat, dog, or another furry companion, this is the perfect time to welcome a new family member.

Browse available pets on Fairfax County's Adoptions page and visit either campus:

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.

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.

Turtle Nesting Season:

What You Need to Know

May through July is nesting season for many turtle species, which means you may see more turtles crossing roads as they search for mates or nesting sites. Roads and neighborhoods often cut across their long‑established migratory routes, so your awareness can make a real difference.

How You Can Help

• Move turtles safely if they’re in the road—only if it’s safe for you. Always move them in the direction they were heading.
• Do not relocate turtles to new areas; they will try to return and may be put in greater danger.
• Give space if the turtle is not in immediate danger.
• Use caution with snapping turtles—avoid the head and never lift by the tail.

Injured or Sick Turtles

If a turtle appears hurt, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator and note the exact location where it was found for proper release later.

Helpful resources include:

• Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
• Blue Ridge Wildlife Center
• Wildlife Rescue League
• Animal Education and Rescue Organization

With proper care, many injured turtles can recover and return to the wild.

Celebrate Big, Waste Less: Sustainable Tips for May Gatherings

May means many celebrations—Mother’s Day, birthdays, weddings, prom, graduations, Memorial Day, and more. As you plan picnics and parties, it’s worth remembering that celebrations are about connection, gratitude, and community—but how we celebrate has real consequences. Waste from gatherings adds up quickly, but so do the solutions.

Americans spend more than $14 billion per year on disposable tableware alone, but small changes can make a big difference. Choosing reusable items, reducing single-use plastics, and normalizing sustainable parties can help save money while protecting the environment. Clean Fairfax will soon offer a reusable party kit available for anyone to borrow - email cfc@cleanfairfax.org to get on the waitlist.

YARD WATCH: Garlic mustard (Allaria petiolata)

Garlic mustard (Allaria petiolata) is an invasive plant found throughout the Northeastern and Midwestern US. Its leaves give off a garlic smell when crushed. A Eurasian native, it spreads quickly, creating a monoculture while displacing native flowers such as spring beauty, trilliums and Virginia bluebells.

Garlic mustard produces allelopathic chemicals that not only inhibit the growth of other close-by plants and trees, but also kill off the butterflies that try to feed on the leaves. It appears bi-annually as a rosette of leaves in the first year that grows up to 3 feet tall with white flowers in the second year. Look for them blooming in Fairfax County in April and May.

For control, the best option is to pull it up by all its roots, before it goes to seed by the end of May. Do not put the plants in compost. Instead, bag them up and place them in your household garbage for pickup. More information can be found at:

https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/indiana/stories-in-indiana/garlic-mustard/) 

Brought to you by Fairfax Invasive Removal Alliance

MBK Local Action Youth Summit

On Saturday, May 30, Fairfax County Neighborhood and Community Services and My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) will host the Local Action Youth Summit for teens and young adults ages 14 and older. The summit will take place from 10 AM to 2 PM at Luther Jackson Middle School (3020 Gallows Rd., Falls Church, VA).

Admission is free, and while registration is encouraged, walk‑ins are welcome. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

This summit is a chance for youth to help shape the future of programs, supports, and opportunities for boys and young men of color in Fairfax County.

Share your creativity and inspire climate action

Sustain Fairfax invites students to participate in the 2026 Youth Art Contest, showcasing how young artists are taking action for a more sustainable future. Open to youth across the county, the contest encourages original artwork that highlights climate awareness and environmental stewardship.

Selected submissions will be recognized and featured as part of the county’s ongoing sustainability efforts.

Learn more and submit your entry: 2026 Youth Art Contest