October 2023

The Board Corner: Perspectives from Penny – October and Autumn are upon us and, if traffic is any indication, life seems busier as folks readjust to post-pandemic activities.  Lessons learned during the pandemic – social distancing, washing hands frequently, wearing a mask when you have cold symptoms or feel ill – still are important since the incidences of COVID remain.  Farmers markets will be open until early November, Octoberfest celebrations are planned by many civic associations, and longer hours at our libraries are a welcome addition.  The KORUS (Korea-US) festival returns to Annandale on October 13 to 15, dedication of the Eileen Garnett Civic Space on Columbia Pike will occur on Saturday, October 21 at 10 a.m., and the annual Annandale Parade steps off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 28.

The arrival of autumn also signals the beginning of leaf season.  A county staff proposal to abolish vacuum leaf collection in Sanitary Service Districts will be considered by the Board of Supervisors later this fall.  About five percent of county households receive vacuum leaf collection from Fairfax County (billing for the service appears as a leaf tax on the real estate tax bill), but significant difficulties in providing the service led the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services to propose ending the service in January 2024.  Based on calls and e-mails to my office, many current customers want the service continued as is; some customers have suggested retaining the service with fewer pickups and/or an increased fee.  Vacuum leaf collection was instituted in 1967, when burning leaves affected regional air quality under the new Clean Air Act.  Barely two years later, customers already were complaining to Supervisors about missed pick-ups, staffing and equipment problems, and service reliability, the same issues that seem to prompt complaints today.  Changes to vacuum leaf collection will require a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors.  When a date is confirmed, notification will be included in a later e-newsletter.

In late September, the Board of Supervisors adopted a modified Parking and Loading Amendment to the county’s Zoning Ordinance.  Dubbed “Parking Reimagined,” the new language allows for reductions of unnecessary parking for new developments.  This was the first comprehensive review of parking requirements since 1978 and it also establishes the first bicycle parking requirements in the county.

Land Use News – Land use items of interest include:

• A default judgment was entered on September 8, 2023, by Fairfax County Circuit Court Judge Richard E. Gardiner, that orders landowners and the Zaaki Restaurant and Café, LLC to bring the property, located at 6020 Leesburg Pike in Falls Church into compliance with the Fairfax County Zoning Ordinance.  Zaaki had expanded its use of the property with various additions and uses without an approved site plan showing such additions, and it expanded uses of the property without an approved Nonresidential Use Permit.  Zaaki, within 90 days from the entry of the default judgement, must submit a minor site plan to the Fairfax County Department of Land Development Services for review and approval.
   
• On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Versar Property Owner, LLC’s Special Exception and Special Exception Amendment (SEA 80-A-072) application.  The proposal modifies the existing development conditions previously approved for fill in a flood plain at 6800 Versar Center in Springfield.  The applicant sought flexibility to either repurpose the existing office buildings or redevelop the property with other permitted industrial uses in the I-5 District.  No changes are related to or proposed within the floodplain.
   
• After more than two years of public engagement, on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the Board of Supervisors heard public testimony on Parking Reimagined, a proposed Zoning Ordinance Amendment that updates and modernizes Article 6 (Parking and Loading Regulations) and modifies various other sections that relate to off-street parking and loading.  The Board concurred with the Planning Commission’s recommendation to approve Parking Reimagined, with the exception to retain the staff recommendation for the rate for religious assembly uses and authority of the Director of Land Development Services to approve adjustment.  The Board also increased the multifamily rate in the revitalization areas from 80 percent to 85 percent of the base rate.  The modernization of parking and loading requirements creates greater flexibility in the provision of parking for current and future land uses.  Detailed information about the Zoning Ordinance Amendment and the public process is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planning-development/zoning-ordinance/parking-reimagined.
   
• A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., before the Planning Commission to consider the Eastgate JV, LLC’s Rezoning (RZ-2023-MA-00001), from C-6 District to a Planned (PRM) District for development of mixed-use multi-family apartment building on the east side of John Marr Drive, approximately 425 ft. south of the intersection of John Marr Drive and Columbia Pike in Annandale.  To register to speak before the Planning Commission, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/speaker.  Written testimony may be mailed to: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, 22035, or sent by e-mail at Plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov.  If approved, a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors is anticipated for Tuesday, October 25, 2023, at 3:30 p.m.  For information about how to provide testimony in person, in writing, or by video, visit  www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speakers-form, call 703-324-3151; TTY 711; or send an e-mail to ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov.
   
• A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 7:30 p.m., before the Planning Commission to consider Plan Amendment 2022-I-B1 for the Baileys Community Business Center, Sub-unit B-5 (PA-2022-00005).  On May 10, 2022, the Board of Supervisors authorized the consideration of a Comprehensive Plan amendment and requested that staff consider mix-used development consisting of multi-family and townhouse residential uses and community-serving commercial uses. The Board requested staff also consider a strong emphasis on parcel consolidation, design, and open space in addition to building heights ranging from four to up to 14 stories. The Carousel Court Apartments, on the south side of Seminary Road, are part of Land Unit B-5, but will not be considered for a change in land use or density. To register to speak before the Planning Commission, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/planningcommission/speaker. Written testimony may be mailed to: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 552, Fairfax, 22035, or sent by e-mail at Plancom@fairfaxcounty.gov.  If approved, a public hearing before the Board of Supervisors is anticipated for Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 4 p.m.  For information about how to provide testimony in person, in writing, or by video, visit  www.fairfaxcounty.gov/bosclerk/speakers-form, call 703-324-3151; TTY 711; or send an e-mail to ClerktotheBOS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

BOS Approves Carryover – After a public hearing on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, the Board of Supervisors approved county budget staff’s recommendations for one-time expenditures of more than $203 million remaining from the FY 2023 Budget, and $118 million in federal COVID-19 recovery funds.  Information about the recommended one-time expenditures is available at  www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget/fy-2023-carryover-budget-package.  The FY 2023 Carryover is the residual amount of funds that remained at the end of a fiscal year and re-allocated or “carried over” to the next fiscal year.

Applications Due for NCS’ Fairfax County Economic Mobility Pilot (FCEMP) – Randomly selected households identified as Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) may submit applications until Tuesday, October 3, 2023, for Fairfax County’s Economic Mobility Pilot program, which provides eligible applicants with monthly cash payments – along with optional financial coaching and supportive resources – to promote economic stability and social capital.  ALICE households consist of populations who may earn more than the federal poverty level, but less than the basic cost of living for Virginia.  For program eligibility requirements and to apply, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/neighborhood-community-services/economicmobilitypilot.

DTA Extends Office Hours to Accept Car Tax Payments – From Friday, September 29 through Thursday, October 5, 2023, the Department of Tax Administration (DTA) is extending weekday office hours, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., for service in person or by phone.  Save fuel and time by paying online, which is quick, easy, and free when you use an e-check.  This year, vehicle owners will receive a 10 percent tax relief, and this relief is incorporated into the personal property tax bill.  Convenient ways to pay are available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/taxes/pay/payment-options.  Questions?  Send an e-mail to  DTARCD@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call 703-222-8234; TTY 711

FCDOT Hosts Virtual Community Meetings about Prioritizing Active Transportation Projects for Funding – The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) seeks public insight through an online survey and two virtual community meetings on Tuesday, October 3, beginning at 7 p.m., and on Thursday, October 5, 2023, beginning at 12 p.m., to prioritize pedestrian and bicycle projects that would receive a portion of $100 million funding allocated by the Board of Supervisors.  The online survey will be available from October 3-16.  To participate in the virtual meetings, review the proposed project list, and access the survey, visit the FCDOT website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation.

Interested in Owning an Electric Vehicle but Concerned about Cost? – Join an upcoming webinar, “Electrify Your Ride with Tax Incentives: A Carbon-Free Fairfax Webinar,” on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 6 p.m.  Learn about:

• Tax credits and rebates that are available through the Inflation Reduction Act and local utilities to help lower the costs.
• Tips for first-time EV buyers to help with a purchase or lease decision.
• Answers to common questions about EV ownership.

The webinar will be livestreamed on Fairfax County’s YouTube channel as well as OEEC’s Facebook page.  No registration required.  It also will be immediately available on YouTube to watch the replay after the livestream.  Questions?  Please send an e-mail to carbonfreefairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov.  The webinar is sponsored by the Fairfax County Office of Environmental and Energy Coordination, in partnership with the Greater Washington Region Clean Cities Coalition and the Electric Vehicle Association of Greater Washington, D.C.  Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/environment-energy-coordination for additional information.

Nominations Accepted for the Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Awards – If you know an individual or organization that excels in providing equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities in the Fairfax area, nominate them for the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board’s 2023 Martha Glennan Disability Inclusion and Equality Award!  The awards are presented annually to recognize people, businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and organizations that excel in demonstrating a commitment to promoting equal rights and community inclusion for people with disabilities.  Nominations are due Friday, October 20, 2023, before 5 p.m., and must be e-mailed to disabilityrights@fairfaxcounty.gov, subject line: “Martha Glennan 2023.”  The nomination form is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/familyservices/disabilities/martha-glennan-disability-inclusion-and-equality-awards.  Questions?  Call 703-324-7948; TTY 711. 

FCPA Hosts Grand Opening of the Eileen Garnett Civic Space – Fairfax County Government and the Fairfax County Park Authority are pleased to announce the grand opening of the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale (formerly the Annandale Civic Space), on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  A variety of family friendly activities will be featured to commemorate the opening of this unique community space.  The Civic Space is named in honor of Eileen Garnett, a longtime resident of Annandale and passionate voice for community revitalization who also supported the park’s development.  Advance registration for the event is encouraged, event details and amenities, including transportation options, are available at www.fcrevite.org/annandale-park-civic-space.  Questions?  Contact the Community Revitalization Section of the Department of Planning and Development at Revitalization@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call 703-324-9300.

See You at the George Mason Regional Library Semi-Annual Book Sale! – The Friends of the George Mason Regional Library will host the popular, semi-annual book sale from Thursday, October 19 through Sunday, October 22, 2023, from 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. daily.  The book sale will be held at the library located at 7001 Little River Turnpike in Annandale, and it will feature a wide variety of high-quality used books, CDs, and DVDs in various categories.  For more information, visit https://georgemasonfriends.blogspot.com/ or call 703-813-6616.

Updated COVID-19 Vaccine Now Available – The 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine is available, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends the vaccine for everyone six months and older.  Like the annual flu vaccine, the new COVID-19 vaccine is available through local health care providers and pharmacies, and you can get both vaccines during the same visit and they are covered by health insurance.  To find where to get Flu and COVID-19 vaccines near you, visit www.vaccines.gov/.  For individuals without health insurance, no-cost vaccine will be available through December 31, 2024, at clinics, doctor’s offices, and pharmacies participating in the Vaccines For Children and Vaccines for Adults (CDC’s Bridge to Access) programs.  Information about the CDC’s Bridge to Access program is available at www.cdc.gov/vaccines/programs/bridge/.  Contact your health care providers to find out if they participate in these programs.  Local health departments also will have a limited supply available for the uninsured and underinsured.  Residents in the Fairfax Health District may call 703-246-7100 to make an appointment.  Questions?  Contact the Fairfax County Health Department by e-mail health@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-246-2411; TTY 711.

Find Fall Favorites and Enjoy Harvest Festival at the Farmers Market at Mason District Park – Fresh produce, plants, and more await you every Thursday, from 8 a.m. until Noon through November 2, 2023, at the Fairfax County Farmer’s Market at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  Enjoy festive activities, such as pumpkin painting, savoring hot cider, and live music at the Harvest Festival on Thursday, October 12, from 8 a.m. until Noon.  For a complete schedule of Farmer’s Markets and Fall Harvest Festival times and locations, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets, or call 703-642-0128; TTY 711.

New Requirement Effective July 1 for Absentee Voting by Mail – A new state law adopted on April 12 that took effect on July 1, 2023, requires voters to include the last four digits of their Social Security number and the year of birth, in lieu of the witness requirement, when completing the return envelope for the mail-in ballot.  The information is concealed behind a mailing flap, so it is not visible during the mail delivery process.  House Bill 1948 also includes that a “unique identifier” be assigned in the voter information system for voters whose registration includes a statement of affirmation that they never have been issued a Social Security number.  Voters are reminded to sign the envelope before mailing the ballot or dropping it in a ballot box.  To vote by mail, voters must apply by October 27 at 5 p.m., and any registered voter can absentee vote by mail without needing a reason or excuse.  For an absentee ballot application, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/absentee-voting-mail.  Questions?  Send an e-mail to the Fairfax County Office of Elections voting@fairfaxcounty.gov or call 703-222-0776; 711.

Early In-Person Voting Available in Mason District – Beginning October 26-November 4, 2023, registered voters may cast their ballots early in-person at the Mason District Governmental Center, 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale, and the Thomas Jefferson Library, 7415 Arlington, Boulevard in Falls Church.  Voting hours are Weekdays, from 1-7 p.m.  Saturdays, October 28 and November 4, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, October 29, from 1-5 p.m.  For hours and locations throughout Fairfax County, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/early-voting.  Information about curbside voting is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/disability-services.  Please Note:  The deadline to apply for a ballot by mail, fax, or e-mail is Friday, October 27 at 5 p.m.  Ballot applications are available in several languages at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/voter-forms.  Send completed ballot applications by mail: Office of Elections, Box 10161, Fairfax, VA 22038; by e-mail: absenteeballot@fairfaxcounty.gov; or fax: 703-324-3725.  Absentee voters who received a ballot by mail, but later choose to vote in person at a satellite location instead, should bring and surrender the ballot they received in the mail to election officials.  The deadline for new voter registration/update address changes is Tuesday, October 17 at 5 p.m.; online at 11:59 p.m.  To register to vote, or check registration status, visit https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation.  Additional information about the November 7, 2023, Election is available at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/.  Questions?  Contact the Office of Elections at 703-222-0776; TTY 711, or by e-mail voting@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

BC7RC and Willston Multicultural Center are Partnering for Community Cleanup – The Bailey’s Crossroads Seven Corners Revitalization Corporation has been a proud participant in VDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program since 2012, and will host a roadside cleanup on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.  Volunteers help keep our roadsides clean!  If you are available and are 18 or older, please contact BC7RC at bc7rcorp@gmail.com by Friday, October 20 to participate.  Volunteers will receive an update about the cleanup, including the meeting location.  At 1 p.m., volunteers will join others at the Willston Multicultural Center to continue the roadside cleanup in the vicinity of the center.  For the Willston Multicultural Center cleanup, contact Mahely Castro Pavon at 703-536-8943, or send an e-mail to mahely.castropavon@fairfaxcounty.gov.  

Election Officers Needed for the General Election November 7, 2023 – The Fairfax County Office of Elections needs election officers countywide for the Tuesday, November 7, 2023, General Election and the 2024 elections. Compensation begins at $250, and training is provided online and in-person for new officers.  Detailed information about serving as a Fairfax County election officer can be found at  www.fairfaxcounty.gov/elections/officers/new-officers.  Apply today at Fairfax County Election Officer Application (airtable.com).  There also is a need for bilingual Virginia voters who speak Vietnamese and English or Korean and English to serve in the Annandale, Centreville, Chantilly, and Falls Church areas.  To serve as a designated bilingual election officer, you also must complete a short oral language skills assessment.  Information about serving as a language election officer can be found at https://training.electionofficers.com/language-officers/.

Save the Date: Pottery Sale at Bargain Prices Coming Soon! – Find a great selection of artisan ceramics, just in time for holiday gift shopping on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., at a one-day, pop-up sale on the Annandale Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College, 8333 Little River Turnpike in Annandale, CA Building patio (outdoors); rain location: CA first floor (indoors).  Everything is handcrafted by teachers or students, and all proceeds benefit the Annandale Ceramics Program.  Free parking for sale customers; enter the lot from Wakefield Chapel Drive.  For more information, contact Virginia Pates at vpates@nvcc.edu.  Come early for the best selection!

Police Stations Serving the Mason District

Mason District Station CAC Meeting – The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will meet on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, beginning at 7 p.m., and welcomes Lieutenant Hudson Bull, who oversees the Flock License Plate Recognition Program for the Fairfax County Police Department.  CAC meetings are open to ALL residents in the Mason Police District to enhance communication with the police department by offering community members the chance to speak directly with their local officers.  The Mason District Station is located at 6507 Columbia Pike in Annandale.  For information about the CAC, contact PFC Evan Dicker or MPO Tawny Wright at fcpdmasoncpo@fairfaxcounty.gov.

• ACCA Food Pantry Drive – Join Fairfax County Mason District Police and their partners on Thursday, October 5, 2023, from 10 a.m.-1p.m., at the Annandale Giant Food, 7137 Columbia Pike, where a police cruiser will be parked at the store exit.  Another food pantry drive is planned for November 2, 2023.  A collection box also will be available in the conference room during September through November NARFE Chapter 1159 membership meetings.  Items most needed are canned soup, meat stew, canned chicken and tuna, uncooked pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned ravioli, macaroni and cheese, canned fruit, laundry soap, and personal care items.
• Child Car Seat Safety Inspections Available – A NHTSA-certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can inspect your child’s car seat to ensure it is installed correctly on Saturday, October 14, 2023, from 9-11:30 a.m., at the Mason District Station; no appointment is necessary.  Child car seats are inspected on a first-come, first-served basis, with the last car seat inspections beginning at 3:30 p.m.  For more information, call 703-256-8035, press zero for the front desk.
• Save the date for Trunk or Treat 2023! –  Join the Fairfax County Police Department and Friends for a Trunk-Or-Treat extravaganza on Thursday, October 19, from 6- 8 p.m. at the Woodrow Wilson Library, located at 6101 Knollwood Drive.  The event is FREE, safe, and a fun way to "Trick-Or-Treat" by going "Trunk-To-Trunk" in a family oriented atmosphere. There will be decorations, costumes, and of course candy!  If it rains the event will be cancelled.  If a business or an organization is interested in hosting a trunk, please contact PFC Evan Dicker at fcpdmasoncpo@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Franconia District Station Community Engagement Meeting – The Community Advisory Committee (CAC) welcomes residents to an in-person meeting on Wednesday, October 11, 2023. at 7 p.m.  The featured speaker is 2Lt. Travis Tate, who will talk about FCPD's Search and Rescue Team.  Get updates about activities in the Franconia police service area from station commander Captain Kevin Shaw.  The Franconia District Station, located at 6121 Franconia Road in Alexandria.

• Fourth Annual FCPD and Friends Trunk-or-Treat! – Come experience the delight of "Trick-Or-Treating" as you go "Trunk-To-Trunk" amidst a family friendly environment on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center Parking Lot, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.  Registration opens on Sunday, October 1 at 9 a.m.  Admission is FREE.  Enjoy a safe way to celebrate Halloween.   
• Child Car Seat Inspections – The Franconia District Station offers child safety seat inspections twice a month on a first-come, first-served basis.  The next child safety seat inspections will be held on Saturday, October 7, and Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.  Parents will learn how to install the seat properly.  Questions?  Call the station at 703-922-0889.
• Subscribe to Newsletter – The Franconia Community Report is an e-mail newsletter with information for Franconia District community members, and includes crime statistics, tips to stay safe, community events, crime prevention programs, and more!  To subscribe, visit https://form.jotform.com/FCPD/newsletter-registration-nextdoor.

McLean District Station Community Engagement Meeting – The next in-person Community Engagement Meeting will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 7-8:30 p.m. in the station’s Community Room, 1437 Balls Hill Road in McLean.  The topic of discussion will be the Criminal Justice Academy.  Community Engagement Meetings are held the second Thursday of the month for residents in the McLean District Police service area so they may discuss their concerns with command staff and learn about crime trends and statistics.  For more information, call the station at 703-556-7750.

• Child Car Seat Safety Inspections – The McLean District Station hosts child safety seat inspections twice a month on a first-come, first-served basis.  The next child safety seat inspection is scheduled for Saturday, October 21 and 28, 2023, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
• Women’s Self Defense Class – The McLean District Station offers a FREE monthly Women’s Self Defense Course at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, 14601 Lee Road, in Chantilly.  Participants will learn about crime prevention and personal safety techniques, followed by hands-on, self-defense practices.  Participants must register to attend all four nights on October 10, 12, 17, and 19, 2023, from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.  Participants, ages 13-17, are welcome, but MUST be accompanied by a registered female parent/guardian all four nights.  If the registration is full, please check the link for cancellations.  Space is limited and there is no waitlist.  Questions?  Send an e-mail to MPO Carolyn.Beyer@fairfaxcounty.gov.
• Fourth Annual FCPD and Friends Trunk-or-Treat! – Come experience the delight of "Trick-Or-Treating" as you go "Trunk-To-Trunk" amidst a family friendly environment on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, from 6-8 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center Parking Lot, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.  Registration opens on Sunday, October 1 at 9 a.m.  Admission is FREE.  Enjoy a safe way to celebrate Halloween.

West Springfield District Station CAC Meeting – The West Springfield District Station’s Community Advisory Committee (CAC) will be meeting in-person on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at 7 p.m., at the station, 6140 Rolling Road in Springfield.  The speakers will be members of the Crisis Intervention Team Co-responder Unit, who will discuss how the unit helps people in need.  Weather-related cancellations for this event will be followed in accordance with the Fairfax County Public Schools.  Participants may sign up for the West Springfield CAC newsletter at wscacmailbox@gmail.com.  Questions?  Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363.  Sign up for the West Springfield CAC newsletter at wscacmailbox@gmail.com.  Questions?  Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363.

• Scout Night – Officers from the West Springfield District Station will host a Scout Night on Wednesday, October 11, 2023.  A presentation to the scouts will be held in the station’s community room, a video tour of the station, and a hands-on tour of a police car outdoors.  One den/troop every half hour, and current available times are 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7 p.m.  If older scouts need specific requirements for a merit badge, please contact PFC Liam May at 703-277-2357, or MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 to discuss arrangements and scheduling.
• Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) – While we hope it never happens, an active violence event can happen anywhere in the world.  On Tuesday, October 24, 2023, from 6:30 - 8 p.m., learn about attackers, disaster response, and how to prepare for and respond to being trapped in a building during an active violence event.  We will review past events; the steps law enforcement will take to assist and limit casualties and answer your questions.  This training is open to anyone, but some material may be disturbing.  This training will be held in-person at the station’s community room.  Questions?  Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363.
• Child Car Seat Inspections – The West Springfield Station, 6140 Rolling Road in Springfield, offers child car seat inspections every Tuesday from 5-8 p.m.  Installations and inspections must be scheduled by calling 703-644-7377, press zero for the front desk.  Upon arrival, come into the lobby for further instructions.  Be sure to install the child safety seat yourself prior to the inspection.  The seat will be properly re-installed if necessary, and you will learn how to install the seat properly in the future.  Questions?  Contact MPO Tony Capizzi at 703-277-2363 or at Anthony.Capizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov.  All car seat inspections/installations are conducted by a certified Child Passenger Safety technician.

Acrylic Paintings Featured at Mason District Governmental Center – Artist James Albright creates acrylic paintings on canvass that combine scenes of “quotidian” life and domestic and international landscapes.  Some paintings may draw inquisitiveness and contemplation, while others elicit instant recognition of the featured subject.  Albright is an artist, community activist, and a former educator, residing in the northern Virginia suburbs.  He earned degrees from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. (Foreign Service, Executive Leadership), and the University of Virginia in Charlottesville (Urban Planning, School Administration and Supervision).  The paintings are on display in the Supervisor’s Office through October 31, 2023.

Mason E-Newsletter and Updates – To receive the monthly E-Newsletter and periodic updates about Fairfax County services and events in Mason District, send an e-mail to Mason@fairfaxcounty.gov to subscribe.  If you wish to unsubscribe, send an e-mail, and include unsubscribe in the subject line to remove your e-mail address from the subscription list.

Mason Matters! The Television Show – October signals the start of preparations for fall activities and the arrival of the holiday season.  It also is the time when the Fairfax County Police Department broadens the scope of their work to remind us to stay alert and safe, and adjust daily operations for fall and winter season activities.  Four patrol stations serve the Mason Magisterial District – the McLean Station is the newest addition after population increases from the 2020 Census expanded the Mason District boundaries.  The stalwart stations continue to be Franconia, West Springfield, and the Mason Police Station.  The Mason Station’s service area encompasses about 20 square miles and has the majority of the Mason Magisterial District in its service area, mostly along the north side of Little River Turnpike.  It is one of the busiest police stations in Fairfax County with a complement of 148 individuals, including police and auxiliary officers, civilian staff, and volunteers, who work with our communities to keep everyone informed and safe.  The October edition of Mason Matters!, the television show that brings you news and information about our Mason District community, hosted by Supervisor Penny Gross, features Lt. Christopher Mattus, the new assistant commander of the Mason District Station.  Mason Matters! airs on Cable Channel 16 every Thursday at 7 p.m., and every Friday and Sunday at 6:30 p.m., and daily online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/mason.

The Quick 411 – Does Fairfax County have any fall harvest festivals planned this year?  Yes.  Celebrate the fall harvest at the Fairfax County Park Authority Markets with numerous fun and free activities!  In Mason District, the Fairfax County Park Authority will host the Farmers Market Fall Harvest Festival at Mason District Park, 6621 Columbia Pike, in Annandale, on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.  Enjoy: Pumpkin Painting, Hot Cider, Live Music, Trivia Wheel, and Prizes!  For more information, including a list of all the Fall Harvest Festival times and locations, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/farmersmarkets.

By requesting e-mails from Fairfax County, please know that your contact information is protected from release under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (VFOIA) unless you specifically tell us otherwise.  Should you wish for your contact information to be released in response to a FOIA request for the same, then please email FOIA@fairfaxcounty.gov.