Happy Friday, Mason District,

As we head into the heart of summer, I want to begin this month's newsletter on a more reflective note.

This past week, Fairfax County experienced several tragic traffic fatalities, including two here in Mason District. These heartbreaking losses are a reminder that every time we get behind the wheel—or step onto our streets—we all share a responsibility to keep one another safe.

I encourage every driver to slow down, stay focused, and watch carefully for pedestrians and cyclists. Likewise, I ask pedestrians to remain alert, use sidewalks and marked crosswalks whenever possible, and make themselves visible when crossing. Small decisions can save lives.

Creating safer streets remains one of my highest priorities. Alongside my colleagues on the Board of Supervisors, I am working every day to improve pedestrian infrastructure, enhance traffic safety, and invest in the transportation improvements that will make our community safer for everyone.

On a brighter note, I hope you'll join us tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Mason District Park as we kick off our Summer Concert Series with The Fabulous Hazards. It's a wonderful opportunity to gather with neighbors, enjoy great music, and celebrate everything that makes Mason District such a vibrant community.

As always, thank you for staying engaged, supporting one another, and helping make Mason District a safe and welcoming place to call home.

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

Sincerely,

Honoring those who make our community stronger



I was honored to share opening remarks at this year’s Flags for Our Heroes ceremony, a community tribute celebrating America’s 250th birthday.

From Flag Day through Independence Day weekend, 250 American flags will fly throughout Annandale, each sponsored in honor or memory of a veteran, first responder, teacher, neighbor, or community member who has made a difference. It was a meaningful opportunity to reflect on service, sacrifice, and the people who help make our community strong.

Honoring student achievements across Mason District

As the school year came to a close, it was an honor to join Delegate Vivian Watts in celebrating Holmes Middle School's outstanding students at this year's awards ceremony.

Recognizing student achievement is about more than celebrating success—it's about encouraging young people as they prepare for the important transition to high school.

Congratulations to all of our students, teachers, staff, and families on a successful school year. I hope everyone has a safe, restful, and well-deserved summer!

Honoring leaders who make a difference

I was honored to attend the English Empowerment Center's Annual Recognition Ceremony, celebrating the individuals and organizations helping residents build brighter futures through education and opportunity.

It was especially meaningful to recognize the inaugural Gerry E. Connolly Empowerment Award recipient, John V. Thomas, and to celebrate Katie Wilson, a valued partner whose leadership through the Place-Based Initiative continues to strengthen our community.

Their dedication reminds us that lasting change begins with empowering others.

Expanding culturally inclusive services

Our staff was honored to join community members for the opening of the Mustafa Center Dignity House, a meaningful addition to the services available in Fairfax County. By providing compassionate Islamic funeral services rooted in faith and tradition, the Dignity House ensures Muslim families can access care that reflects their values during life's most difficult moments.

As one of the region's most diverse communities, continuing to invest in culturally inclusive spaces like this helps ensure every resident feels seen, supported, and respected.

Land Development Services Education Opportunities

Does the heat of summer have you thinking you need to upgrade from a sprinkler to a pool in your backyard? Does your barbecue hangout spot have a few loose screws or rotted deck boards? Or maybe your AC stopped working and you want to install the HVAC yourself!

Before you hand any money to a contractor or pick up a shovel to start digging, think about taking a Building Permits 101 class or Deck Details class from Fairfax County’s Land Development Services (LDS). We have classes available in several formats on our Education & Outreach website.

If you belong to a neighborhood organization and would like to have LDS present a class for your whole neighborhood, we have staff that can teach you and your neighbors about building safely and sustainably in Fairfax County.

Learn about the building permit process before you start your next home renovation and save time and money today! Click here to request a Building Permits 101 class for your neighborhood organization!

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 mounted 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.

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.

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

Forget the Foam: Final EPS Food Foam Phase-out

On July 1, 2026, all Virginia food establishments must eliminate EPS food foam containers from their operations. The ban will apply to food establishments of any size, including restaurants, food trucks, cafeterias (including schools!), and caterers. Larger establishments with 20 or more locations already had to comply with the ban starting last year; the second phase encompasses everyone.

What can you do? As a consumer, refuse EPS and other single-use items, bring your own reusable containers with you, and remind local businesses to phase out EPS products. If you are a food business owner, make a plan now to switch out any EPS foam takeout or beverage containers for reusable, recyclable, or compostable alternatives. For more info, visit the Clean Fairfax web page on EPS as well as Litter Free Virginia.

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.

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

Celebrating America's 250th Anniversary

Support the Wolf Shack at Justice High School

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.