Hello Mason District!

I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween and are looking forward to the Holiday season.

This fall was filled with so many community events, celebrations, and opportunities to come together as neighbors. I also want to take a moment to acknowledge those who are experiencing hardships during this time—especially our federal workers—as the shutdown continues and benefits are paused. Your service and dedication do not go unnoticed, and our community stands with you.

As we move into November, I’m filled with appreciation—for our neighbors, local businesses, and everyone who helps make Mason District such a special place to call home.

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

Around the District

The past few weeks have been full of meaningful opportunities to connect with young professionals, schools, and neighbors. Keep reading to learn more about what I’ve been up to in and around Mason District!

Helpful Resources

Resources and information regarding for public safety updates, vaccuum leaf collection, invasive species alerts, emergency food access, and more.

With the ongoing shutdown, please know that resources and support are available if you or someone you know is struggling. Our community is here to help.

Upcoming in Mason & Fairfax

A new addition to this week’s newsletter: a curated list of upcoming events, job fairs, festivals, and more! Check out what’s happening around the district and the county and be sure to mark your calendars.

Holiday Donations and Drives

As we enter the season of giving, be sure to check out local donation drives and opportunities to give back. Together, we can make the holidays brighter for everyone in Mason District.

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 703-256-7717 if we can be of service.

Sincerely,

75 Years of Community Spirit

I was honored to join the 75th Annual Annandale Parade — and to share the experience with my two daughters. The event brought together neighbors, local organizations, and performers from across the community to celebrate Annandale’s rich diversity and spirit of connection. This year’s parade honored the men and women of Annandale’s Volunteer Fire Department.

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate and keep this wonderful tradition alive!

A Day of Service and Connection

For 30 years, VolunteerFest has brought together neighbors from across Northern Virginia for a day of service, connection, and real impact. This year, I joined fellow Fairfax County Supervisors Palchik and Lusk, as well as Congressman Walkinshaw, to help pack 75,000 meals for local families.

With food insecurity rising and many households affected by federal layoffs, events like VolunteerFest show the power of community coming together to support one another.

Learn more and find volunteer opportunities at celebratefairfax.org.

Investing in Our Multilingual Learners

I was thrilled to join families and staff at Westlawn Elementary School to kick off a new online program that helps students strengthen their English skills beyond the classroom. 

I saw this as a valuable program and was more than happy to coordinate and secure the funding needed to make it possible—an important investment in education for our young residents. With nearly 400 students participating, this program will give families and multilingual learners the tools and support they need to thrive in and out of school.

Building a More Connected Region

I was grateful to be sworn in as Fairfax County’s alternate representative to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC).

This new role is a great opportunity—alongside my work as Chair of the County’s Legislative Committee—to advocate for policies that strengthen regional transit, support sustainable growth, and keep Northern Virginia connected. Learn more about the work of NVTC here: Northern Virginia Transportation Commission

Challenges Facing our Latino Neighbors

I recently spoke with The Dogwood about the growing challenges facing Latino residents in Fairfax County — from fear of deportation to barriers in accessing jobs and local resources.

“All of this obviously leads to economic downfall,” I shared. “It leads to a lack of job hunting, an inability for folks to feel safe when they go out and try to find the resources that they may need to actually provide for their families and for their community as well.”

Latino communities are an essential part of Fairfax County’s cultural and economic strength. When families live in fear or feel disconnected from local resources, the entire community is affected. We must continue working to build trust, expand access to opportunity, and ensure that every resident feels safe, supported, and valued.

Read the full Dogwood article here: Spanberger rallies Latino voters in Alexandria amid growing distrust of government, deportation fears.

Last week, the Fairfax County Police Department completed the fifth and final wave of the 2025 Road Shark campaign — and the results speak for themselves.

Across five waves this year, FCPD officers issued nearly 50,000 citations and warnings, a 43% increase from 2024. During the final wave alone, officers issued over 10,500 citations and warnings, including more than 900 for speeding.

Let’s all do our part — plan ahead, obey posted speed limits, put the phone down, and never drive under the influence.

For updates and information on traffic safety initiatives and enforcement efforts, follow the FCPD on X, Facebook, and Instagram.

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.

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

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.

Holiday Gift Card Drive

This holiday season marks the 12th Annual Victim Services Division Holiday Gift Card Drive, supporting child victims and witnesses of domestic violence, sexual violence, and those grieving the loss of a loved one to homicide.

Donating gift cards allow parents and caregivers to take part in creating the holiday experience for their children — choosing the toys, clothing, or treats that make the season special.

If you would like to contribute, please consider donating gift cards in any amount (Target, Walmart, Giant, Amazon, Visa, etc.).

Donations can be dropped off or mailed to:

Saly Fayez

Fairfax County Police Department – Victim Services Division

12099 Government Center Parkway

Fairfax, VA 22035

Holiday Care Package Drive

Help Spread Warmth and Joy to Older Adults This Holiday Season!

The Adult and Aging Division of Fairfax County’s Department of Family Services is hosting the “Bundles of Comfort” Holiday Care Package Drive to support individuals in our community. These care packages include essentials like a new hat, scarf, microwave-safe mug, and hygiene items will be gifted to clients this holiday season.

Learn More and Sign Up to Donate: Holiday Care Package Drive | Family Services

🐾 Supporting Our Furry Friends

In these uncertain times, food insecurity doesn’t just affect our friends, neighbors, and family members — it can also affect our pets.

One of the Alliance’s first projects is a pet food pantry to ensure our furry friends don’t go hungry. 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

If you’re able, please consider supporting this effort by donating unopened wet or dry pet food at one of these locations. Together, we can make a real difference for families and their pets across Mason District.

Pajama & Slipper Drive

Help the Mason District Police Station Bring Warmth and Comfort to Those In Need This Winter By Donating New Pajamas and Slippers!

Donations can be delivered to:

Mason District Police Station

6507 Columbia Pike

Annandale, VA 22003

Volunteers Needed!

The disAbility Law Center of Virginia is looking for volunteers for two projects:

First, they are asking for those willing to survey polling places for accessibility. If you are willing to help, fill out the form here!

Also, their Rights & Resources Summit is taking place on Thursday, November 13th and they are seeking volunteers to help moderate their virtual presentation sessions.

Moderators play a key role in keeping the event running smoothly by introducing speakers, monitoring chat for audience questions, and helping speakers stay within time limits. If you'd like to help, contact their office at: info@dlcv.org