Andres Jimenez

Mason District Supervisor

CONNECT WITH US!

I recently partnered with Second Story and Fairfax County Channel 16 to film a new pedestrian safety video. This project shares practical tips for staying safe while walking in our community and highlights the importance of driver awareness. It’s part of my ongoing commitment to making our streets safer for everyone.

The video will be released soon, and I look forward to sharing it with you once it’s available.

I recently met with the Justice Pyramid Principals to discuss the upcoming school year, hear about the priorities and needs of our local schools, and explore ways our office can continue supporting students, teachers, and families.

These conversations are an important way to stay connected with our school leaders, understand the challenges they face, and collaborate on initiatives that strengthen educational opportunities across the Mason District. I’m grateful for their dedication to creating safe, supportive, and enriching learning environments for every student.

Our team had the pleasure of attending the 2025 RAMMY Awards last night, honoring the chefs, restaurants, and hospitality professionals who make the DMV a true culinary destination.

The RAMMYs are more than an awards ceremony, they’re a celebration of the role restaurants play in our communities. They bring people together, create meaningful jobs, and reflect the cultural diversity that makes our region so vibrant.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners, from beloved neighborhood favorites to exciting rising stars, you continue to set the standard for excellence in hospitality.

A special thank you to the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington for shining a well-deserved spotlight on this vital industry.

The Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office is gearing up for its Shop with a Sheriff back-to-school event, pairing deputies with local students for a special day of school supply shopping. This annual program helps ensure kids start the school year ready to learn, and builds positive connections between youth and law enforcement in a friendly, supportive setting.

With the help of community partners and donors, each student receives a gift card to pick out backpacks, notebooks, and other supplies they need to succeed. It’s a great way to ease the back-to-school transition while making sure every child feels prepared and confident.

We’re thrilled to announce the return of Mason District Restaurant Week, and this year’s theme is all about celebrating the incredible global flavors right here at home. With 30+ cuisines represented right here in Mason District, this is your chance to showcase what makes your restaurant truly unique.

We're inviting local restaurants to participate in this week-long celebration of culture, cuisine, and community. There is no cost to join, and each participating restaurant will be featured across our social media, event webpage, and outreach materials.

📅 Key Dates:

• August 1: RSVP & intake form opens
• September 1: Form closes – last day to confirm your interest
• Mid-September: Restaurants will receive their Welcome Packet, including promotional materials, participation guidelines, and an event poster

🔗 Sign up before September 1:

https://forms.office.com/g/fDetMBJ4Up?origin=lprLink

✅ Why join?

• Boost foot traffic and connect with new customers
• Celebrate and share your culinary story with a broader audience

Questions? Reach out to us at Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax County is home to around 80,000 federal employees and over 3,800 federal contractors, making our region deeply connected to federal operations. To support those impacted by changes or disruptions in federal services or employment, the Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub provides essential resources for residents, government employees, active military/veterans, contractors, nonprofits, and businesses. Whether you need job search assistance, financial support, or guidance on available county services, this hub is designed to help you navigate current and future challenges.

🔗 Explore resources and support: Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub

Fairfax County is committed to ensuring our workforce and community remain strong, stay informed, and connected!

George Mason University Launches Support Resources for Displaced Federal Workers

George Mason University is offering a comprehensive suite of support services to assist federal employees and their families impacted by job disruptions. These resources are designed to help individuals gain new skills, explore new career paths, and stay engaged with the community.

Available Resources Include:

• Access to Online Micro-Credentials: Over 90 training courses and certifications are available through Mason Career Academy.
• Free Entrepreneurial Coaching: Mason Enterprise is providing personalized coaching for those exploring small business opportunities, consulting, or federal contracting.
• Graduate Application Fee Waivers: Several Mason colleges are waiving application fees for select fall 2025 graduate programs.
• Complimentary Event Tickets: Free admission to select performances and athletic events during the 2025–26 season, courtesy of the College of Visual and Performing Arts and Mason Athletics.

To learn more and access these resources, visit gmu.edu/displaced-workers-support.

Apply Now: Fall 2025 Community Police Academy

The Fairfax County Police Department is now accepting applications for the Fall 2025 Community Police Academy (CPA), running from September 11 to November 15, 2025. This free 10-week program offers residents an inside look at law enforcement through behind-the-scenes tours, hands-on activities, and conversations with detectives and officers.

Schedule:

• Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.–10:00 p.m.
• Final class & graduation: Saturday, 8:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

Classes rotate among police facilities across Fairfax County, showcasing the latest crime-fighting technology and investigative techniques. Due to the popularity of the program, participants must attend at least 8 of 10 sessions to graduate.

Learn more and apply here: Community Police Academy | Fairfax County Police Department

🚲 Stay Connected: Active Transportation Newsletter

Did you know that FCDOT’s Active Transportation Program publishes a monthly newsletter? It’s a great way to stay up to date on local events, safety tips, transportation plans, and projects that make walking, biking, and rolling easier and safer across Fairfax County. Whether you’re a regular trail user or just curious about what’s happening in your neighborhood, this newsletter is a valuable resource to keep you informed and engaged.

👉 Check it out and subscribe here: Active Transportation Newsletter | Transportation

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. Your reports help keep our community safe and accessible!

🚧 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.

Community Shredding Event – Mason District

📅 Date & Time: Sunday, September 7, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

📍 Location: Mason District Governmental Office, 6507 Columbia Pike

Clear out your clutter and protect your personal information at our free community shredding event. Residents must bring a Fairfax County ID to participate.

What You Can Bring:

• Paper documents (paper clips, binder clips, staples, butterfly clips, spiral notebooks, and metal-tabbed hanging folders are okay)
• Non-paper media (x-rays, film, tapes, CDs, etc.) — must be separated from paper

What We Cannot Shred:

• Three-ring binders or other large metal bindings
• Certificates of destruction will not be issued

All shredding will be handled securely by Patriot Shredding, in compliance with HIPAA, HITECH, FACTA, and the GLB Act. Your materials will not be inspected, viewed, or shared.

Questions? Contact Hannah Frank at Hannah.Frank@fairfaxcounty.gov.

💼 Grant Opportunity: Korean American Community Foundation Community Grants Program

🗓️ Application Deadline: August 29, 2025

The Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) is now accepting applications for its Community Grants Program. This multi-year grant opportunity offers up to $100,000 annually for three years and provides both general operating support and program-specific funding.

📌 Eligibility Highlights:

• General operating grants are available to organizations with annual budgets of $3 million or less
• Program-specific funding is open to a broader range of applicants

This is a great opportunity for nonprofits serving Korean American communities or addressing issues of equity and inclusion.

🔗 Learn more and apply:

philanthropynewsdigest.org/rfps/rfp18101

Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your organization’s impact and sustainability.

Support Healthy Aging: Apply for the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The Virginia Office for Aging Services and FRESHFARM are partnering to bring the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (Senior FMNP) to eligible older adults in Fairfax County!

The program offers a $50 benefit to qualifying seniors to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from local farmers markets. It’s a simple way to eat healthy, support local agriculture, and stay engaged in the community.

📅 Apply by September 30, 2025

🎯 Goal: Enroll 772 senior shoppers this season!

🔎 Learn more: freshfarm.org/virginia-senior-fmnp

📝 Apply now: freshfarm.org/virginia-senior-fmnp/apply

Please help spread the word, share with neighbors, post in your community, or feature in your organization’s outreach. Every share brings us closer to connecting seniors with fresh, nutritious food.

🎭 Fall Enrollment Now Open – Mason Community Arts Academy

The Mason Community Arts Academy, part of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, is now enrolling for fall group classes! Offering high-quality instruction in theater, visual arts, film and video, and more, the Academy welcomes students of all ages, skill levels, and backgrounds.

Whether you’re just starting out or honing your craft, you’ll find inspiring, innovative lessons that bring the arts to life. Classes are open to the entire community, providing a chance for budding artists of any age to learn, grow, and create.

Explore classes and enroll today: masonacademy.gmu.edu

📚 Upcoming Forum: American Mythology and the History of Arlington House

🗓️ Wednesday, September 3, 2025 | 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

📍 Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA

Join the Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia (LLI) for a thought-provoking presentation by Daniel Blier, National Park Service Ranger and lead interpreter at Fort Hunt Park. This engaging Forum will explore American Mythology and the History of Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial.

This free, in-person program is open to the public, no registration required. Social time begins at 9:30 AM, with the Forum starting promptly at 10:00 AM.

🔗 Learn more about the event and the full calendar of offerings:

https://llinova.org/courses/event-calendar/#!event/2025/9/3/sep-3-forum-in-person

LLI offers more than 130 annual classes, forums, and excursions for adults 50+, providing lifelong learning and community engagement.

📩 Questions? Email: admin@llinova.org

🌐 Website: www.llinova.org