| |  | Thursday, October 9th, 2025 | | | | |
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Good afternoon everyone!
This first full week of October was a significant one in that the Board of Supervisors met for our first Legislative Committee of the 2026 Legislative season.
As the newly installed Chair of the Legislative Committee, it is my responsibility to ensure that our county and all of you are well-represented in Richmond and in Washington. This is a large task and I'm highly appreciative of the efforts from our county's legislative staff, led by our new Legislative Director Jennifer Van Ee, as well as my highly-qualified Vice-Chair and colleague Board Chairman Jeff McKay.
On behalf of our residents, we used this initial meeting to review and discuss the new, streamlined State and Federal Priorities packages. With these documents, I'm confident that we will continue to build on our relations with our State and Federal representatives and make a difference for Fairfax County and Northern Virginia.
I am equally excited by all the events we have happening in and around Mason District. Here's what to see in today's Mason Matters:
🎨 First Annual Mason Art Festival
We are two days away from the first annual Mason District Art Festival! Dozens of local artists are eager to demonstrate Mason District's vibrant art culture.
🎉22nd Annual KORUS Festival
Annandale enjoyed a gloriously beautiful weekend to celebrate the diversity and culture of our Korean-American community here Mason District and beyond.
💧🌳Third Annual Climate Action Conference
Next weekend, I am proud to join my former colleague, Congressman James Walkinshaw, to speak at the third annual Climate Action Conference.
📜 Board of Supervisors Meeting Review
I and my colleagues joined together to address budget concerns and take action in addressing the changing world.
🍗 Mason District Restaurant Week
The list of restaurants is set with twice as many participating eateries as last year. Get hungry as we prepare to "Eat Around the World" this month!
I am appreciative and grateful to every one of you who make these moments possible -- through volunteering, participating, or simply showing up to support your neighbors. Together, we are building a Mason District defined by connection, pride, and opportunity.
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov or at 703-256-7717 if we can be of service.
Sincerely,
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Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Around the District with Supervisor Jimenez | | 2026 Legislative Committee | | |
📜Our district's biggest news is my assuming the role of Legislative Committee Chair for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. The Legislative Committee, which addresses state and federal matters, is responsible for communicating our County's legislative priorities to the General Assembly and U.S. Congress.
As the most populous county with the state's largest tax base, Fairfax is a leader in Virginia and vital part of the region's direction. As the Legislative Chairperson, my role will be to help guide the Board's focus and coordinate representation with our state and federal elected officials.
The first meeting of the upcoming session went smoothly thanks to hard work from new Legislative Director Jennifer Van Ee and her staff and help from Vice Chairman Jeff McKay. I am excited about staff's new streamlined priorities documents which we believe will make our priorities clearer for both residents and our elected partners in their respective bodies. As always, thanks to Channel 16 for televising and providing post-event recordings of our actions on the Board which are located here.
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🎉 First Ever Mason District Arts Festival
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We are just a few days away from the inaugural Mason District Art Festival on Saturday, October 11, from 10:00 AM–3:00 PM at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space in downtown Annandale. This brand-new event will showcase the incredible creativity and talent of our community, with artist booths, live performances, a children’s play area, and local food trucks.
The festival is organized by the Mason District Arts Council and proudly sponsored by ArtsFairfax, Beanetics Coffee Roasters, Celebrate Fairfax, Fairfax County Planning & Development, and my office. It’s a true community partnership designed to highlight the role of the arts in strengthening Mason District and bringing neighbors together.
I hope you’ll join us for this special day of art, culture, and community!
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The 2025 KORUS Festival was yet another incredible celebration of food, culture, and community right here in Mason District. Featuring delicious food prepared by local and regional restaurants, beautiful cultural demonstrations and exciting performances, along with a presentation of the Board of Supervisors proclamation, the event was a highlight of the fall!
I was overjoyed at the support and representation who joined me on the stage at the event. The message of the evening was one of diversity, tolerance, and gratitude for everything that the Korean-American community and the relationship between our two countries signifies. This is a special event and one in which I am honored to participate.
A big thank you to the Korean American Association of Greater Washington Metropolitan area for organizing this wonderful, cultural event. You, the volunteers, performers, vendors, and all my fellow elected colleagues are appreciated. We look forward to you joining us next year in the Cultural Hub of Fairfax County!
| | 📚 Third Annual Climate Action Conference | | |
Next, Saturday, October 18th, I invite all residents of Fairfax County and Northern Virginia to join us at the Third Annual Climate Action Conference. This event was created by then-Supervisor-now-Congressman James Walkinshaw in an effort to try and address the larger issues around Climate Change and its impact on the county, region, and country.
As the acting-Chairperson of the Environmental Committee, I am honored to speak at and help carry on this excellent event which brings together so many groups and individuals eager to live in a more environmentally-conscious world.
We are eager to see the many tables at this event, highlighting the hard work in the myriad issue areas their organizations cover. Then, join me and our other speakers to learn more about the latest progress and information about new and continuing threats to our ecology.
Let me extend a special "thank you" to the staff of the Braddock District Office who continue to work hard for the residents of their District. The environment is an issue that affects people across the political spectrum so I hope you'll all join me, Congressman Walkinshaw and the many volunteers and organizations to help continue this important event. Register here, today!
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📜 Board of Supervisors Meeting Review | | |
On September 30th, the Board of Supervisors convened to discuss various administrative items, the 2025 Budget Carryover Package, and conduct our monthly Public Hearing in which up to ten members of the public can speak on issues not currently undergoing litigation or covered elsewhere in the meeting.
The Board also convened for a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors on the morning of October 7th for a single item. There, Chairman Jeff McKay introduced a Board Matter requesting a resolution to extend the time within which personal property taxes may be paid. We, as a Board, voted to retroactively extend the due date from October 6, 2025, to November 5, 2025, giving residents an additional 30 days to make their payments without penalty.
This action was taken in response to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a funding bill. The shutdown has halted many federal operations and left thousands of Fairfax County residents, many of whom are federal employees or contractors, without paychecks.
I’m grateful to the Department of Tax Administration staff for their swift coordination and continued service to our community. Their efforts ensure that residents have clear guidance and access to the resources they need. I’m proud to support this action and the families affected by the ongoing challenges at the federal level.
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🍽️ Join Us for the 2nd Annual Mason District Restaurant Week!
🗓️ October 20–26, 2025
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🍽️ Mason District Restaurant Week is Around the Corner!
We are closing in so get ready to enjoy fine cuisine across the District! Mason District Restaurant Week returns October 20–26, 2025 with this year’s theme: “Eat Around the World.”
This week-long celebration is your chance to explore the incredible flavors of our community, support local businesses, and enjoy special menus from some of your favorite restaurants.
📅 October 20–26, 2025
✨ Theme: Eat Around the World
We’re inviting restaurants across Mason District to join in the fun. If your restaurant would like to participate, please email mason@fairfaxcounty.gov for details.
Stay tuned for the full list of participating restaurants and get ready to eat your way through Mason District! Visit our Restaurant Week website at masonrestaurantweek.my.canva.site/masondistrict and keep an eye on our social media channels for special content and deal announcements.
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Reimagine Mason: The Mason District Podcast | | |
As the cultural hub of Fairfax County, Mason District is home to a fascinating collection of constituents. Our office is proud to host the Reimagine Mason podcast which highlights everyday Mason residents! New episodes are published monthly with those and previous recordings available for download and listening on Soundcloud and Apple Podcasts.
Our first five guests included individuals as diverse as the Director of the Fairfax County Animal Services Department to Annandale High School's Grammy Music Educator of the Year.
We have more guests to come -- including a few you might not know were your friends and neighbors. Catch up today on your preferred device and be in the know as we Reimagine Mason District!
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🗳️ Early Voting Update
The Mason Government Center isn’t open for early voting just yet, but doors open soon! Please note that as we are undergoing renovation construction at the Mason Governmental Center, parking is limited. You may want to check for other locations nearby your home or carpool to come vote. Voting by mail is also still in effect!
📅 Early Voting Dates: Thursday, October 23 – Saturday, November 1
⏰ Hours: Monday–Friday: 1 PM – 7 PM; Saturday: 9 AM – 5 PM; Sunday: 1 PM – 5 PM
✅ Other Fairfax County early voting sites are already open. You can find the full list here: Fairfax County Early Voting Locations. Make your plan and let’s get out the vote, Mason District!
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Vacuum Leaf Collection Update
Autumn is here and leaves will begin dropping soon! After fighting to save the Vacuum Leaf Collection Program I was pleased with the efforts staff made to improve it!
They reviewed these changed with residents at both the in-person meeting here at the Mason Governmental Center on Saturday, September 6th, and online on Wednesday, September 10th. Information by Department Staff on those changes are available both on the leaf collection website and for residents to review in this short video.
For those interested in pickup dates:
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View the online Schedule & Status to search by street name.
- Look for bright yellow signs in participating neighborhoods and scan the QR code to visit the webpage.
We also advise residents to sign up for Vacuum Leaf Updates, here!
| | 📢 Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub | | |
Fairfax County is home to about 80,000 federal employees and more than 3,800 federal contractors, making our community closely tied to federal operations. The Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub offers essential support for residents, government employees, military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits, and businesses impacted by changes in federal services or employment. From job search tools to financial assistance and county services, the hub helps our workforce stay strong, informed, and connected.
🔗 Explore resources and support: Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub
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🚧 Check Out VDOT’s 2025 Paving Map
Wondering when your street, or a nearby road, might be repaved? The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has a live paving map for 2025 that lets you track paving projects across the region in real time. It’s a helpful tool to stay informed about planned improvements and potential impacts in your neighborhood.
👉 Explore the map here.
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Upcoming Mason District Events | | Festivals, Entertainment, and More | |
Fall Festival presented by Fairfax County Planning & Development and Fairfax County Park Authority
🍁Join us on Friday, October 18th for an afternoon of family fun from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. We're celebrating the season with something for everyone, including festive activities, local vendors, delicious food, and live entertainment. It’s the perfect way to welcome autumn!
Don't miss out on this community favorite event at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, located at 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA. Get tickets here and see you there! 🎃
- What: Eileen Garnett Civic Space Fall Festival
- When: Friday, October 18th, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
- Where: 7200 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA
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🎭 The Mousetrap Comes to Mason District
A blizzard rages. The roads are closed. There’s no way out.
Get ready for intrigue and suspense as the Providence Players of Fairfax bring Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit, The Mousetrap, to the stage. The longest-running play in history, The Mousetrap will keep you guessing—and second-guessing—from the first act to the final gasp.
📅 Performance Dates and Times
- Evenings: Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7:30 p.m. (October 10–25)
- Matinees: Sunday at 2:00 p.m. (October 12 & 19)
Join us at the theater and experience a classic murder mystery where everyone becomes a suspect! 🎟️ Tickets: providenceplayers.org/tickets
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Lifetime Learning Institute Speaker!
The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI/NOVA), affiliated with the Annandale campus of Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), is a non-profit, member-run organization offering stimulating educational and cultural pursuits to adults age 50 and over.
LLI/NOVA will hold its next in-person Forum on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at the Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA. The speaker will be Peter Henriques, Professor of History, Emeritus, George Mason University. Find more info at: https://llinova.org/,
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📚 George Mason Friends
Fall Book Sale
The George Mason Friends Fall Book Sale returns to George Mason Regional Library, Oct 22–26! Find amazing deals on books, CDs, and DVDs while supporting library programs like the Summer Reading Program, scholarships, and Fall for the Book.
📖 Preview Night: Wed, Oct 22 | 5–8 PM | $20 entry per adult
📚 Sale: Thu–Sun, Oct 23–26 | 10 AM–5:30 PM (Free) (Half-Price Day: Sun, Oct. 26)
📍 George Mason Regional Library, 7001 Little River Turnpike, Annandale
📧 georgemasonfriends@gmail.com | ☎️ 703-813-6616
🔗 georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com
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Community Drives and Programs | |
🐾 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. That’s why I’m proud to share the work of the newly formed Mason District Animal Welfare Alliance, led by Holly Hazard and other dedicated community members here in Mason District.
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.
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Urgent Need for Type O Blood Donors
Inova is facing a critical shortage of Type O blood due to multiple traumatic incidents and medical emergencies. While all blood types are needed, Type O is especially urgent to help patients in critical need.
Make a life-saving difference today by scheduling an appointment. Call 1-866-BLOODSAVES (1-866-256-6372) or visit inovablood.org.
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🎷👩💻🛒 Support Second Story in The Community!
Fairfax County consistently ranks among the wealthiest counties in the United States, yet opportunity is not distributed evenly. According to a 2024 Hunger Report, food insecurity in Fairfax County is increasing with 27 percent of residents qualifying as “food insecure.” Forty percent of those who are food insecure include households with children. Many families live in poverty with parents working around the clock to support their children.
Second Story operates neighborhood-based drop-in centers and after-school programs for youth and families in Culmore, Annandale, and Springfield. We also serve as the lead agency for the Bailey’s Crossroads region of Fairfax County’s Opportunity Neighborhoods Initiative. Through these programs, we offer food distribution; tutoring for students; parenting skills, health, and financial literacy education; the opportunity to connect with existing resources; and so much more.
If you would like to contribute to this outstanding organization, the staff at Second Story are always appreciative of food donations, gently used clothing and most of all, your time. Volunteers are encouraged and those seeking to contribute to a local, outcome-focused organization can get more information here or by calling:
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🌳 New Homeowner Tree Program Coming to Culmore
The Fairfax Tree Stewards, a nonprofit dedicated to planting and maintaining trees across Fairfax County, are launching a new Homeowner Tree Program right here in the Culmore community.
The goal is simple: increase the number of trees in our neighborhoods to provide shade, cool summer temperatures, reduce heating and cooling costs, improve air quality, and create habitats for birds and other wildlife. Plus — trees add beauty and value to your home!
Here’s how it works:
🌱 The program is looking for homes that currently have no trees in their front yard.
🌱 Homeowners who sign up will receive a 7–9 ft. tree from a selected list.
🌱 Tree Stewards volunteers will come to your home, bring all the supplies, and help you plant it properly to ensure long-term success.
🌱 A simple application and a suggested $10 donation secures your new tree.
📩 Apply here: fairfaxtreestewards.org/tree-program-application
🌐 Learn more: fairfaxtreestewards.org
📧 Questions? Email Trees@FairfaxTreeStewards.org
📞 Call: Brenda Frank (703-821-0624) or Jo Doumbia (202-492-5996, Spanish)
This is a wonderful opportunity to green your yard, lower costs, and make Culmore a cooler, healthier, and more beautiful place to live.
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Website: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason
Email: Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov
Phone: 703-256-7717
Mason Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
Our office is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm
Fairfax County does not discuss individuals’ personal information unless authorized or required to do so by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act or other law. Any e-mail or other correspondence sent to a member of the Board of Supervisors, or any other public official and/or employee of Fairfax County may be subject to disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.
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