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Thursday, January 15th, 2026

A Note from Andres

Hello, Mason District!


As we head into the weekend, I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day this Monday. Dr. King’s legacy reminds us that service, justice, and community engagement are not one-day commitments, but values we live out every day. In Fairfax County, we honor his legacy best by showing up for one another, strengthening access to opportunity, and continuing the work of building a community where everyone belongs.


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


Around the District

From testifying before the General Assembly, to school visits and welcoming a new staffer to our Mason District team, this week was full of meaningful moments focused on advocacy, education, and collaboration.


Helpful Resources

Stay informed with public safety updates, inclement weather alerts, emergency food access, voting accessibility resources, and important community services.


Community Voices & Opportunities

There are several opportunities this month to share your perspective, help shape County priorities, and celebrate creativity in our community.


Thank you as always to all who make these moments possible. Your volunteering, participating, or supporting 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 by phone at our main phone line 703-256-7717 if we can be of service.


Sincerely,

Andres Jimenez

Mason District Supervisor

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Around the District with Supervisor Jimenez

Testifying Before the Fairfax County

General Assembly Delegation

Advocating for Fairfax County's Priorities


My birthday is my favorite holiday and this year I spent it doing what I care about most—testifying before members of our Fairfax Delegation at a General Assembly public hearing.


With the General Assembly beginning this Wednesday in Richmond, I had the opportunity to highlight Fairfax County’s top priorities and urge action on key legislative goals for the session ahead.


I’m grateful for the chance to advocate for our community and excited for the important work to come.

Visiting Mason District Schools

Connecting with Students and Educators



This week, I visited Mason Crest Elementary School and Woodburn Elementary School, bringing me to 17 of the 22 schools in Mason District.


These visits are an important opportunity to connect with students, educators, and staff, see classrooms in action, and better understand how we can continue supporting strong public schools across our community.

Welcome to the Team, Vanessa!

I’m excited to announce the addition of Vanessa Simpson to the Mason District staff. Vanessa brings a wealth of professional experience from both Fairfax County and the private sector.


She is a graduate of James Madison University and has previously worked with Fairfax County, Lidl (“LEE-dle”), and in Senator Jennifer Boysko’s office.


As Policy Director, Vanessa will support our legislative efforts and serve Mason District residents on transportation and other key issue areas. We’re thrilled to have her join the team and look forward to working together this winter and into the spring.

 

Board of Supervisors Meeting Review

Remembering a Friend and Community Leader


At this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we honored the life and legacy of a dear friend and neighbor, Mr. Willie Coleman, who passed away on December 12, 2025, just ten days after his seventy-seventh birthday.


Born in Bailey’s Crossroads in 1948, Willie was a proud graduate of the Fairfax County School system and a military veteran with more than twenty years of service. He cared deeply for his family, took pride in his community, and lived by the principle of doing right by others.


We saw this firsthand in his steadfast work to rename our local community center, now proudly known as the Minnie H. Peyton Community Center at Bailey’s.


I hope we can honor Willie and his legacy by carrying forward the kindness, integrity, and compassion he showed every day. He will be deeply missed.

Reimagine Mason: The Mason District Podcast

As the cultural hub of Fairfax County, Mason District is home to a fascinating array 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 six 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, and owner of a beloved local pizza chain.


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!

Helpful Resources

Community Voices & Opportunities

Mason District Voting Accessibility Survey

In a year of frequent elections, our goal is to create a conversation around voting accessibility and ensure that all residents, especially residents living with disabilities, have an equal opportunity to cast their ballots.


This anonymous survey seeks to gather feedback on what worked well and what was challenging during this year’s elections. Your input will help inform improvements and strengthen voting access in Mason District for future elections.

Calling All Young Artists!

Do you have a creative spark—or know a student who does? Join the first-ever Solid Waste Management Glass Recycling Can Art Contest, in partnership with the Mason District Arts Advisory Council! This contest invites students to create artwork that highlights the benefits and importance of glass recycling.


Eligibility:

  • Students in 6th–12th grade
  • Must attend a Justice HS, Annandale HS, or Falls Church HS pyramid school in Mason District

Contest Details:

  • Submit one original artwork per entry
  • Can enter individually or as a group
  • Theme: “The benefits and importance of glass recycling for our community”

Prizes & Recognition:

  • Winning artwork will be installed on a purple glass recycling can at the Mason District Government Center
  • Artwork will debut on Earth Day, April 2026
  • Winners will be notified in March 2026

Deadline: Friday, February 27, 2026, by 11:59 PM


Help us raise awareness and showcase young talent while celebrating recycling and creativity!

 

For more information about the contest, including how to submit your artwork, submission guidelines, entry requirements, and more about the Glass Recycling program, go to https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-trash/glass.



For the latest recycling and zero-waste updates, subscribe to the Fairfax Recycles newsletter and follow us on Facebook and X @ffxpublicworks.

Help Shape Fairfax County’s Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness

Fairfax County’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness is leading a communitywide planning effort to improve how we prevent and respond to homelessness across Fairfax County, Fairfax City, and the City of Falls Church.


The goal is to identify clear priorities and make informed decisions about programs, policies, and funding—helping reduce how often people experience homelessness and how long it lasts.


The Fairfax County Continuum of Care wants to hear from you. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey and help inform the County’s next Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness.

FCPD 2025 Highlights

In 2025, the Fairfax County Police Department made meaningful progress in community policing, officer training and wellness, crime prevention, and emergency response. These efforts reflect FCPD's continued commitment to public safety, accountability, and strong partnerships with the community.

Health & Human Services

January Is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Know the Signs. Share the Resources.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and as part of our office’s efforts, we are placing informational flyers in publicly accessible locations throughout the community to help raise awareness and connect residents with resources.


Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person to provide labor or commercial sex. While there is often greater awareness of sex trafficking, experts believe labor trafficking is more prevalent worldwide, underscoring the importance of education and outreach.


If you have questions or would like to bring these awareness efforts to your group or organization, please contact Makayla Henry at makayla.henry@fairfaxcounty.gov.



If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call the Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline at 703-360-7273 for help and support.

Please join us for the 2nd Annual Mason District Health Fair.


The Health Fair will take place at the James Lee Community Center on Saturday, February 7th, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.


Services will include, but are not limited to:

  • Vaccine appointment registration and information
  • Medicaid enrollment assistance
  • Hearing and vision screenings
  • Substance abuse prevention training and resources
  • And more!


We are thrilled about this event as it represents an opportunity to showcase our county's growing array of resources and ensure our residents have access to the services that keep them safe and healthy.

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.



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

to home.

Transportation Updates

For road-related issues like potholes, damaged signs, or snow removal, contact VDOT at

1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623), VDOTinfo@vdot.virginia.gov, or my.vdot.virginia.gov.


For parking or traffic enforcement concerns, reach out to the Mason District Police Station at (703) 691-2131 or email fcpdparkingenforcement@fairfaxcounty.gov.


Make sure to sign up for FCDOT's Active Transportation's monthly newsletter with events, safety features, transportation plans and projects and more. You can subscribe here: Active Transportation Newsletter | Transportation


Your reports help keep our community safe and accessible!

Invasive Species Alert

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)

Community Drives and Programs

AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers Return to Mason Super Site on January 30, 2026 for Free Tax Preparation

Mason District is pleased to once again welcome AARP Tax-Aide volunteers to provide our community with FREE TAX ASSISTANCE. Volunteers will be available at the Mason District Government Center, 6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, 6 days a week from January 30 to April 15 (See hours below). 


Walk-Ins are welcome as are clients of all ages.   Most tax returns are completed in one visit with the client present.  Volunteers are certified to complete Federal and Virginia income tax returns, as well as returns for District of Columbia and Maryland residents


To get started, Mason Tax-Aide recommends completing an Intake Packet prior to arrival. 

Packets are available:

  • At Mason District Government Center, (address* above), inside the 1st set of doors to the right.
  • OR
  • Download the Tax Year 2025 Intake Packet and form here: novataxaide.org/sites/mason

Appointments and Information are available, if needed. Call 703-249-9961 and leave a message. Your call will be returned within one business day by an IRS-certified counselor. Or visit our website at: novataxaide.org/sites/mason


What to Bring:

 All tax documents, government-issued photo Id, Social Security cards (or documents) for all on the return, last year’s return (if possible), and a six-digit Identity Protection Pin, if you received one in the past or applied for one this year. (The IRS will send you a new one each January.) Also see:   https://www.novataxaide.org/general-information_1/what-you-need-to-bring


When clients arrive, they will be interviewed and the return prepared by an IRS-certified counselor and reviewed by a second IRS-certified counselor. After clients review and sign return, they will receive a paper copy of the completed Federal and Virginia, (DC or MD) return. All tax returns are filed electronically.


What We Can and Cannot Do

Please check here for what we can and cannot do: https://www.novataxaide.org/general-information_1/what-we-can-cannot-do


Hours of operation

  • Monday and Thursday: 1 pm - 8 pm
  • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:30 am – 1 pm
  • Saturday: 9 am – 1 pm

Must check-in 30 minutes before closing


Languages in addition to English

We are able to serve clients in the following languages in addition to English:

Chinese    Spanish    Vietnamese   and others 

Traveling Players, based in Tysons Corner Center, is starting 2026 with new acting classes, student plays, and summer camps for kids and teens. Register in January and get the early-bird discount!

Contact Mason District

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.