View as Webpage

Friday, February 6th, 2026

A Note from Andres

Dear Neighbors,


Welcome to February, and thank you for your continued patience and understanding as winter weather continues to impact our community. I hope this month brings moments of warmth, connection, and reflection for you and your families.


February is Black History Month—a time to honor and celebrate the history, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black Americans who have helped shape our community and our nation.


In this edition of Mason Matters, you will find updates from our recent Board of Supervisors meeting, important highlights from the Legislative Committee, and information about key issues and initiatives we are advancing on behalf of our community. These updates reflect our ongoing commitment to transparency, collaboration, and advocating for policies that strengthen our neighborhoods.


As always, thank you for staying engaged and involved. It is an honor to serve you, and I look forward to continuing our work together to build a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected community.


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

Facebook  Instagram  X  LinkedIn

Around the District with Supervisor Jimenez

 

VACO Local Government Day

I attended the Virginia Association of Counties (VACO) Local Government Day to engage with state and local partners on issues impacting our community.


We heard from Governor Spanberger on the importance of collaboration across all levels of government and met with staff from Delegate Henson and Senator Boysko to discuss housing legislation the County supports—and areas where we have concerns—while emphasizing our commitment to working together.


We also connected with county leaders and partner organizations from across Virginia, sharing perspectives, learning about the challenges facing their communities, and strengthening relationships as we move forward together.

undefined

Board of Supervisors Meeting Review

Black History Month & General Assembly Update


Black History Month

The Board of Supervisors officially designated February 2026 as Black History Month in Fairfax County. While Black history is celebrated year-round, February offers a special opportunity to reflect on and honor the lasting contributions of the Black community to our county.


In Mason District, that legacy is deeply rooted. Our two main community centers—James Lee and Minnie H. Peyton—are named for Black Mason residents who were pillars of the community, dedicating their lives to service, leadership, and creating opportunities for future generations.


General Assembly

The Board also received a presentation on the County’s General Assembly activities. Staff reviewed how the County’s Legislative Program aligns with Fairfax County’s Strategic Plan and the One Fairfax policy, focusing on priorities such as education, housing, the environment, health and human services, and transportation.


During the legislative session, staff continue to evaluate individual bills for equity impacts, local fiscal considerations, and potential effects on local authority, with recommendations brought to the Board’s Legislative Committee for action.

Recognizing Mason Residents

Presentation of the Best Workplaces for Commuters Employer Awards 


At the Board meeting, we recognized the recipients of the Best Workplaces for Commuters Employer Awards, which honor organizations that support employees through strong commuter benefits and transportation options. We are especially proud of the outstanding representation from Mason District, whose commitment to flexible, sustainable commuting helps improve quality of life for workers and reduce congestion across our region.


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

Mason District Health Fair

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!

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 school within the Justice, Annandale, or Falls Church pyramids 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)


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 the Facebook and X @ffxpublicworks.

Mural at Willston Center


A new mural for Seven Corners is in the works, and county residents are invited to be part of the design process.


The proposed mural will be located at Willston Centre I in Seven Corners, and is part of Paint It, Fairfax!, the county’s mural program created to enhance the county's eight Commercial Revitalization Districts and Areas and showcase each community’s unique assets. 


A community survey is open through Saturday, February 28 and offers county residents the opportunity to submit style preferences and design ideas that will help ensure this new piece of public art reflects the distinctive spirit of the Seven Corners community. Survey responses will directly assist the mural’s selection committee in selecting a theme, choosing an artist, and finalizing the project design.

English Survey Link: https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/sevencornersmural

Spanish Survey Link: https://engage.fairfaxcounty.gov/sevencornersmural-esp

Public Comment Open: Chloride TMDL Action Plan


Fairfax County is seeking public comment on the draft Chloride Total Maximum Daily Load Action Plan, which outlines how the County will reduce chloride pollution in local waterways.


Chloride from road salt and deicing materials can wash into storm drains and streams, where high levels can harm water quality and aquatic life. The Action Plan was developed in coordination with the Northern Virginia Salt Management Strategy and focuses on reducing chloride in stormwater discharges from the County’s municipal separate storm sewer system.


The plan is available using this link. Hard copies are available at the Virginia Room of the City of Fairfax Regional Library and at the Information Desk at the Fairfax County Government Center. For more information about the County’s stormwater program and MS4 permit, visit the MS4 Program webpage.


All comments must be received by 4:00 p.m. EST on March 9, 2026.

Emergency Services Information

FCFRD’s Adopt A Hydrant Program got a boost ahead of Winter Storm Fern.


Last week, 330 new hydrants were adopted as residents prepared for the incoming snow.




By adopting a hydrant in their neighborhood, residents play a vital role in supporting FCFRD and protecting their community.



Those who adopt a hydrant will receive an official certificate of adoption.


To learn more visit https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems/AdoptAHydrant

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

NON-NATIVE HOLLY


Check your yard for Holly, with its bright red berries and glossy green leaves, is often associated with winter holidays in the US. Yet, many of the holly trees planted in our area and sold in nurseries are either native to Asia or hybrids and were introduced to the US in the late 1800s as ornamental plants.

 

Hollies escape landscaped areas via bird-dispersed berries and invade forests. They form dense thickets that shade out native shrubs and seedlings which in turn reduces plant diversity. Asian hollies provide far less ecological value than native hollies.


Good native alternatives to Asian hollies are: Ilex opaca (the native American holly), Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon holly), Ilex glabra (Inkberry), Ilex verticillata.


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 

Lifetime Learning Monthly Forum


The Lifetime Learning Institute of Northern Virginia, an educational group for adults over 50, will hold its next in-person Forum on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, from 9:30 am to 11:00 am at the Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA. The guest will be Maestro James Ross, Music Director of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.


This program is free and open to the public without registration. More information is on the LLI website www.llinova.org, clicking on Classes and Events, and scrolling down the calendar to March 4, 2026, or by going directly to https://llinova.org/courses/event-calendar. This program is part of LLI’s monthly Forum Series held the first Wednesday of each month. Social activities start at 9:30 am and the program begins at 10:00 am. LLI also provides more than 130 classes, programs and excursions a year to its members. More information on membership in LLI is available on LLI’s website www.llinova.org. Any questions, please e-mail LLI at admin@llinova.org.

Assistance Needed


The AARP Tax Assistance program is seeking volunteers willing to provide interpretation services to those seeking tax assistance during their 2026 sessions. Help would be provided to residents who would feel more comfortable asking questions and hearing answers in their preferred languages. There is a particular need for Korean speakers, however, volunteers fluent in other languages in addition to English will be welcome!


If interested and able to help, please contact the AARP volunteers at 703 249-9961. Thank you for your consideration!

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.