| |  | Thursday, October 31, 2024 | | | | |
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Good afternoon, and happy Halloween!
You might notice that this edition of Mason Matters looks a bit different than usual. That's because we're switching our email delivery system so more folks can use and enjoy our newsletter. Accessibility is a key part of our One Fairfax lens, and we're doing our best to make sure Mason Matters is easy to read, navigate, and find on our website. Please pardon delivery and link issues while we make this transition. You can report issues with this newsletter by emailing my Communications Director Eleanor Rogers at Eleanor.Rogers@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Below you’ll find the latest updates and news from around Mason District. They include:
- A recap of our Annandale mural ribbon cutting that’s sure to brighten your day!
- Helpful information for voting early or on Election Day next week.
- Mason District leaf and yard waste pickup schedule
My family and I are about to hit the neighborhood for some trick-or-treating, so I hope to see you out and about this evening! In the meantime, please enjoy this edition of Mason Matters. And don’t hesitate to contact me if I can be of any assistance.
Sincerely,
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Andres Jimenez
Mason District Supervisor
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Unveiling Fairfax County's first Revitalization mural!
I was thrilled this past weekend to unveil the new mural at the ACCA Child Development Center in Annandale! This project represents several "firsts" for Mason District and Fairfax County. The mural, painted by the artist Giuseppe Percivati (known as Pepe Gaka), is the first completed through Fairfax County's "Paint It, Fairfax!" initiative. The entire process from the artist selection to the mural design was led and informed by the community: the cats are based on real neighborhood feline friends; garden plants are some of the natives found in the area demonstration garden; and the artist incorporated community suggestions like the dog featured on the boy's sweater.
I want to extend a special thanks to our Mason Arts Advisory Committee chair James Albright for his guidance, ArtsFairfax for their support, and to everyone who came out and provided feedback on the process! Folks can spot the mural on the East wall of the ACCA Child Development Center located at 7200 Columbia Pike.
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Memory Care Roundtable with Senator Mark Warner
Mason District has one of the highest rates of senior residents in Fairfax County, and it's crucial we continue to ensure they have access to affordable, high-quality care. Thank you to Senator Mark Warner for hosting last week's roundtable discussion with Virginia's General Assembly delegation, Insight Memory Care Center, Goodwin Living, Commonwealth Senior Living, the Alzheimer's Association, Dementia Caregivers Support Program, and others.
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Top row: Speaking at the renaming ceremony of the Culmore Community Library, formerly known as the Woodrow Wilson Library. As a dad to two avid readers, I know how impactful libraries are for our community. The updated Culmore Community Library name reflects the immense role that the library plays in this area. Thank you to Fran Millhouser and the Fairfax County Library Board for working to make this renaming happen, and for involving residents throughout the entire process!
Middle row: America’s elections are something to behold. Sometimes we forget what a privilege it is to cast a ballot freely, fairly, and equitably. I was so proud earlier this month to host guests through the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program. These young leaders traveled from around the world to learn about America’s elections and observe Early Voting right here in Mason District. Thank you to the attendees, the event organizers, Meridian International Center and of course to the Fairfax County Office of Elections staffers who took the time to answer questions and share a little bit about our voting process.
Bottom row, left: My Board colleagues and I were excited to join folks from the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services and don yellow vests to declare November 15 as Recycles Day and Stormwater Day in Fairfax County.
Bottom row, right: We had an exciting Saturday attending the Annandale Parade, voted one of America's "best small town parades!" And a special thank you to Rick Healy, or EQAC appointee who kindly gave us a lift in his '57 Thunderbird.
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Election Day (Tuesday, November 5)
Election Day is fast approaching! Do you have a plan to vote? Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here's some helpful links:
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Voting early at the Mason Gov Center? Consider bringing a food donation!
If you plan to vote early at the Mason Governmental Center, please consider bringing a food donation to help restock our local food pantry! Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) is seeking various canned and boxed items to help feed our Mason District neighbors in need. You can see a full list of their needed pantry items here. Items can be dropped off 24/7 in the lobby of the Mason District Governmental Center, so please feel free to drop off a donation when you cast your ballot.
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Healthcare Town Hall (Saturday, November 23)
Join Supervisor Andres Jimenez for a Healthcare Town Hall from 10 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, November 23 at the Mason District Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003). More details to come!
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Mason Works: Information for businesses & job seekers
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Upcoming events for entrepreneurs, job seekers, employers, and small business owners:
| | Things to Do: Events & community activities
| | Green Corner: The latest environmental news in Mason
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Charge Up Fairfax offers help for HOAs installing EV chargers
Community associations in Fairfax County interested in installing electric vehicle charging stations for their residents can apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement through the Charge Up Fairfax program through Friday, November 8. Learn more.
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Solar Switch helps residents, small businesses get solar panels
Capitol-area residents and small businesses can apply for the Solar Switch program to help install rooftop solar panels and battery storage. The signup period ends Friday, November 22. Learn more.
| | Arts Corner: Exciting updates about Mason District arts
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NOVA Pottery Sale is back
You'll find bargain prices on unique ceramic pieces at NOVA's Pottery sale on Wednesday, November 6, at the Annandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College, on the patio outside the CA Building main level, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE parking for sale customers in student lots; enter from Wakefield Chapel Drive. Everything is handcrafted by students or faculty at the college and all proceeds benefit NOVA's ceramics program.
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Apply to be featured at Tysons Corner Center temporary exhibit
ArtsFairfax is seeking local artists, artist teams, and arts organizations for an upcoming temporary exhibit at Tysons Corner Center. Artists who live or work in Fairfax County, the City of Fairfax, or the City of Falls Church are encouraged to apply. More than 20 million people explore Tysons Corner Center’s retail and entertainment spaces each year. Learn more.
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Free regional art workshops announced
The Northern Virginia Local Arts Agencies announced free professional development workshops for area artists. The workshops are designed for artists, art administrators, and arts organizations and will begin Thursday, November 14. Learn more.
| | Parents Corner: News & events for families
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Free parenting classes
The Fairfax County Department of Family Services offers FREE parenting classes for guardians of kids ages 0 to 18 years. These classes are virtual and in-person and available in multiple languages. Learn more.
| | Open Call: Nominations, contests & more
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Donate laundry pods for local families
Help Sup. Andres Jimenez collect laundry detergent pods for Shelter House's Patrick Henry Emergency Shelter families with children. Drop off laundry detergent pods at the 24/7 lobby drop box at the Mason District Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003) or use link below to donate directly via the shelter's Amazon wish list.
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New Hope Housing gift card drive
Make a safe and impactful donation this holiday season by donating gift cards to help our homeless neighbors. New Hope Housing is seeking 500 $25 gift cards to Target, Walmart, and grocery stores to help residents purchase items they need.
Gift cards can be mailed now through January 20 to: NHH GIFT CARDS (ATTN: MICHELLE HOOK), 8407-E RICHMOND HWY, ALEXANDRIA, VA 22309.
For any questions, please contact Michelle Hook at 703-799-2293 x 11 or mhook@newhopehousing.org.
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Donate coats & shoes
Our office is collecting new shoes and winter coats to help support New Hope Housing. Drop off donations at the 24/7 lobby drop box at the Mason District Governmental Center (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003)
For any questions, please contact Michelle Hook at 703-799-2293 x 11 or mhook@newhopehousing.org.
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Volunteer appointment drivers needed for Annandale/Springfield
The joint Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) and Shepherd's Center of Annandale Springfield transportation program is in desperate need of drivers to assist residents who cannot drive themselves to medical appointments, the grocery store, or to food banks. Learn more by calling the Shepherd's Center office at 703-941-1419 or emailing shepherdscas@vacosmail.com.
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Storage space needed for furniture program
The ACCA Furniture Program needs storage space for the gently used donated furniture that is picked up and then delivered to our neighbors. If you have storage space available, please email furniture@accacares.org.
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Need to report a VDOT issue? The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has an easy way for residents to report road problems. Visit my.vdot.virginia.gov to use their interactive report tool or call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623). Report parking violations through the Fairfax County Police Department's non-emergency line at 703-691-2131 or fcpdparkingenforcement@fairfaxcounty.gov. | |
VDOT shares tips to avoid deer
It's deer season, and the Virginia Department of Transportation partnered with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources to remind motorists to stay alert on the roads. Learn more.
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Give your feedback: Active transportation and trail network
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is combining the Bicycle Master Plan and the Countywide Trails Plan and is seeking public comment during several town halls held virtually and in-person. Public feedback will be accepted through Friday, December 20. Learn more.
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Land Development Services | |
Leaf collection begins next week
The Fairfax County Solid Waste Management Program released guidance about upcoming leaf collection services. Leaf collection begins on Monday, November 4, and ends Friday, December 6. Residents may receive the information by mail that includes collection timelines broken down by area, leaf management tips, and set out instructions. Mason District falls into multiple collection areas. Learn more.
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Give your feedback: Plan Forward project assesses land use, housing, and transportation policies
Fairfax County is updating policies that guide how land is developed in our region. Those policies affect housing, transportation, sustainability, land use, and quality of life for our residents. Plan Forward is the new multi-year project to update those policies, and several community meetings are scheduled for next month to get resident feedback. Learn more.
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Heating program accepting applications
The Fuel Assistance Program is accepting applications to help households heat their homes as temperatures drop. The application period runs through the second Friday in November. Learn more.
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Fairfax Water calls on customers to help replace lead water lines
Fairfax Water is encouraging residents to check their water service lines to find lead pipes. Customers are responsible for replacing portions of the service lines that they own, typically located on the customer side of the meter or curb stop. Fairfax Water is compiling information about its service line inventory. Learn more.
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Jury duty scam targeting Fairfax County residents
Fairfax County's Police Department, Sheriff's Office, and Circuit Court is warning residents about a scam that involves a spam caller posing as a Sheriff's deputy.
The caller "spoofs" or makes it appear like they're calling from a real Fairfax County government phone number. Using various Sheriff's deputy names, the caller claims the person was summoned for jury duty, failed to report to the courthouse and now needs to pay a file to avoid arrest. This is a scam! The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office does NOT call residents about missing jury duty. Please hang up and don't return messages. To confirm whether you actually were summoned for jury duty in Fairfax County, you can contact the Circuit Court Jury Department at 703-246-2292.
This scam is sophisticated and ongoing. Residents are urged to report it to law enforcement if they receive calls or messages about missing jury duty. Learn more.
| | Mason District is served by multiple stations of Fairfax County Police Department that include Mason, Franconia, McLean, and West Springfield. We encourage you to sign up for your station's newsletter! | |
Stuff the Cruiser food drive
Come help the National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFEA) and your Mason District FCPD officers stuff the cruiser in support of the ACCA food pantry. This event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 8 at the Giant Food (7137 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003).
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Gary Claus is coming to town!
The officers of Mason District station are collecting toys for community kids in need. Officers are seeking new, unwrapped toys, pajamas, and slippers for babies, children, and teens. The items will be distributed to the Culmore and Wadsworth Court communities during their annual Gary Claus event on Saturday, December 14. Items can be dropped off at the Mason District Station (6507 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003).
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New mural brightens up Annandale
Annandale Today (October 28, 2024)
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