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July 15, 2026

I recently visited a Rebuilding Together Arlington/Fairfax/Falls Church project in Reston.

This nonprofit group helps older adults with free home repairs to allow them to age in place safely and remain in the communities they love.

The group’s dedicated, energetic volunteers helped a couple — one of whom is a retired Fairfax County Public School teacher — with accessibility and safety upgrades at their townhouse. Volunteers installed interior and exterior handrails and smoke detectors and sealed an attic hatch.

Rebuilding Together offers free repairs and modifications to seniors who meet income qualifications, and they work on 40 standard projects that include installing handrails, grab bars, stair lifts, replacing appliances and repairing electrical outlets and exterior light fixtures.

Fairfax County helps to fund the organization since its activities helps seniors stay in their homes, a goal in our SHAPE the Future of Aging Plan. For a very small investment, our residents and community reaps great returns.

Rebuilding Together is just one of the organizations and programs that assists older adults to make their homes accessible.

Fairfax County’s own Home Repair for the Elderly Program also provides minor repairs and accessibility modifications for eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners and individuals with disabilities. This program offers one week's worth of labor and up to $1,000 in materials to complete necessary repairs and maintenance.

To assist older homeowners, the county also created a comprehensive directory of free home repair resources, which was developed as an initiative through the SHAPE Plan.

If you or someone you know needs home repair, safety or accessibility upgrades, please explore the county’s directory for groups and programs that can help.

Regards,

Walter

• Hunter Mill Melodies Concert Tomorrow
• Find Cooling Centers Near You
• Attend my Summer Town Hall July 20
• Free Memory Screenings July 20
• Parasitic Intestinal Illness in Virginia
• Board of Supervisors Update
• Upcoming Land Use Meetings
• What's News in Vienna
• Events and Activities

Attend my Summer Town Hall

on July 20 in Vienna

What's happening: Mark your calendars. I’ll be holding my summer town hall on Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m. at the Vienna Town Hall, 127 Center Street, South. This is an open forum where you can share your questions and concerns with me.

Questions and More Info? If you wish, you’re welcome to submit questions in advance by emailing my office. For more information or reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact my office by email or call 703-478-0283, TTY 711.

What’s happening: Are you worried about memory loss or know someone who may be experiencing early warning signs for dementia? Get a free memory screening from the nonprofit Insight Memory Care Center

📅Monday, July 20

🕘9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

📍4027B Olley Lane, Fairfax

Call 703-970-3601 to reserve an appointment.

Tell me more: This nonprofit, which receives funding from Fairfax County, offers confidential 30-minute screenings for people with concerns about their memory or who want to establish a baseline for future comparison. These screenings are a part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s National Memory Screening initiative. Early detection of memory loss makes a difference, allowing an individual to start treatment that can slow the symptoms.

What to know: Public health officials say the parasitic illness that causes explosive diarrhea has been reported in our region with 37 cases in Virginia and at least 32 in Maryland. Called cyclos/poriasis, this parasite infects the intestines, and illnesses have been reported across 34 states. Michigan and Ohio remain the epidemic’s epicenter with more than 3,000 cases reported.

What’s causing it? Cyclosporiasis isn’t spread directly from person-to-person, and most outbreaks have been linked to eating imported fresh produce, herbs and fruits. While state and federal health officials still don’t know the source for this current outbreak, they are now investigating lettuce and Taco Bell as the cause in four states.

In the past, this illness has been tied to fresh lettuce, snap peas, basil, cilantro, raspberries and blackberries.

(Read this study that documents the source of past outbreaks from 1995 to 2019. Fresh raspberries and basil accounted for 65% of past cases, but this current outbreak’s source still remains to be identified.)

How to prevent it: You may reduce your risk by:

• Washing fruits and vegetables.
• Scrub firm fruits and vegetables, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before and after preparing raw fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid eating uncooked fruits and vegetables.

Personally I love eating raw fruits and vegetables, there is nothing healthier when they are not carrying nasty bugs like cyclosporiasis. But know these days there may be a risk.

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday July 14. You can watch the meeting and review the agenda and package.

Public Hearing to Prohibit Truck Cut-Through Traffic on Crowell and Browns Mill Roads

What’s happening: The Board authorized an Aug. 25 public hearing on prohibiting trucks from using Crowell and Browns Mill Roads as a cut through. If this measure is approved following the hearing, signs will be posted on these roads through the county’s Residential Traffic Administration Program. (The ban will not apply to pickup or panel trucks, however.)

Residents approached my office with major safety concerns about cut-through traffic and speeding on these two roads. Trucks have been increasingly using them as a shortcut to get to Route 7.

While banning this cut-through traffic will help, there’s still more to be done to make Crowell Road safer.

On June 24, the Board also approved “$200 Additional Fine for Speeding” signs on Crowell Road between Hunter Mill and Browns Mill roads. (Read my June newsletter for more background.)

Background: The county’s program to deal with neighborhood traffic issues requires homeowners to support cut-through restrictions, and 60% of occupied homes on the streets proposed for these prohibitions must agree to them.

Three years ago, I approved streamlining the process for communities seeking a ban on cut-through truck traffic. To make the process faster and easier, we eliminated the requirement for the Board to first request VDOT to get the process started, as well as for residents to submit their own petition to the state agency.

Traffic problems? If you have concerns about speeding or traffic issues, please contact Shyamali Hauth in my office by email or call 703-476-0283, TTY 711. The county provides a variety of ways to help neighborhoods deal with traffic issues, including prohibiting cut-through traffic and installing additional fines for speeding signs.

Say Goodbye to Counting Your Pennies. Cash Payments for County Services to Be Rounded.

What’s happening: The Board enacted a new ordinance to allow cash payments for county taxes and charges to be rounded to the nearest nickel.

This change is necessary since county agencies report difficulties in providing exact change due to a nationwide shortage of pennies. While pennies are still legal tender, they’re increasingly unavailable since the federal government stopped minting them last year.

Under the new law, the county will also adjust bills to reflect the rounding when there’s an account associated with a cash transaction — such as for real estate or personal property taxes.

The new ordinance will be in place until July 1, 2027, per the state law that gives local governments the ability to temporarily round cash payments. This authority expires next year as the state seeks a permanent solution.

How it works: Cash payments will be rounded up or down to the nearest nickel:

• In any case in which the total transaction amount, including any taxes, ends with one, two, six, or seven as the final digit of the number of cents for the transaction, the price will be rounded down such number of cents to the nearest number of cents divisible by five.
• In any case in which the total transaction amount, including any taxes, ends with three, four, eight, or nine as the final digit of the number of cents for the transaction, may round up such number of cents to the nearest number of cents divisible by five.

For example, a bill amounting to $10.77 will be rounded down to $10.75. Conversely, a bill totaling $9.99 will be rounded up to $10. The rounding only applies to cash payments, and you’ll still pay to the penny when using a credit card or other electronic payment method.

Lahey Lost Valley Resident Curator Lease Set for Consideration Aug. 25

What’s happening: The Board approved an Aug. 25 public hearing on leasing the historic Lahey Lost Valley house to resident curators Michael Nakagaki and Sonja Lupescu. If approved, the almost eight-year lease will allow the pair to live there rent-free in exchange for renovating this brick hall-parlor home originally built in the mid-18^th century.

Located at 9750 Brookmeadow Drive in Vienna, Lahey Lost Valley joins Fairfax County’s Resident Curator Program as the seventh historic house to be preserved. Properties in the program are owned by the Fairfax County Park Authority, and curators, who may be individuals, nonprofits or for-profit entities, agree to rehabilitate and use these underused historic properties in exchange for living there rent-free.

Nakagaki and Lupescu would undertake renovations detailed in a work plan approved by the Park Authority. These planned projects include restoration of historic architectural features, including masonry, windows, doors, flooring, plaster, and woodwork; repairs to the roof, drainage, and structural systems; upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems; and rehabilitation of interior finishes throughout the residence.

Background: Lahey Lost Valley sits on 22-secluded acres above a small stream valley, and this property originally belonged to the 547-acre plantation owned by the Gunnell family who were leaders in Fairfax County throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. The home was later owned by well-known artists Richard and Carlotta Lahey.

Reston Planning & Zoning July 20

To attend this virtual meeting on Monday, July 20 at 7 p.m., click here to join on Microsoft Teams. To participate by phone, call 571-429-5982 and enter meeting ID 488 711 780#

Agenda:

• RZ-2025-HM-00028: Stanley Martin Homes, LLC
• RZ-2025-HM-00019: JB 1821 Michael Faraday LLC

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee July 21

To attend this virtual meeting on Tuesday, July 21 at 7:30 p.m., click here to join on Microsoft Teams. To participate by phone, dial 571-429-5982 and enter meeting ID 815 287 077#

Agenda:

• RZ-2026-HM-00003: BE Tysons LLC

Questions? Email Mark Goldberg-Foss or call 703-478-5123, TTY 711.

Chillin’ on Church This Friday

Vienna’s favorite block party returns to Church Street Friday, July 17! Join friends and neighbors in front of the Freeman Store and Museum from 6:30-9:30 p.m. as the Sudden M-Pac Band performs pop, R&B, and funk favorites all evening. Plenty of food trucks and drink vendors will be on site as well (must have a valid ID to purchase alcohol).

Watch “Guys and Dolls” Starting July 18

Get set for Vienna Youth Players' summer production of “Guys and Dolls." The curtain opens Saturday, July 18, at 7 p.m. at Vienna Community Center. This musical follows gamblers and missionaries as they take big bets on love and luck in 1950s New York. Tickets are $18 available for purchase online or at the door before showtime (depending on availability).

🪈Mystic Warriors play Andean music tonight at Lake Anne Plaza.

🎸British classic rock tribute band The English Channel performs July 16 at Frying Pan Farm Park and enjoy food from the Two Smooth Dudes food truck.

🎪Omnium Circus enters the ring on July 16 at the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap.

🎸The Guitar Renegades strum classical guitar, jazz and more on July 16 at Halley Rise.

🪕Alison Krauss & Union Station perform on July 16 at Wolf Trap.

🎵JTucker & The Krewe play soul and funk on July 17 at Reston Station.

🎤Listen to Dr. Satinder Sartaaj perform his Heritage Tour on July 17 at Capital One Hall.

🍷Eat and drink at the Purcellville Wine and Food Festival on July 18 at Fireman’s Fields Park.

🎤Swing Makes You Sing on July 18 at the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap.

🎸Bitter Luck plays rock classics with a progressive flair on July 18 at Reston Town Center Pavilion.

🛞The Unicycle Lady delivers silliness, music and play on July 18 at Reston Town Square Park.

👗Shop for a cause at Lilly Pulitzer on July 19 at Tysons Galleria.

🎺Listen to trombone music during the Bone Voyage concert on July 19 at Reston Town Square Park.

🕵Mystery book club discusses Michael Connelly’s “The Concrete Blond” on July 20 at Caboose Tavern, Vienna.

🎼Wolf Trap Opera Studio Artists in concert on July 21 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in D.C.

🕵Join the Friends of Reston Library Book Club discussion on "The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women in the CIA" on July 21.

🎥Watch the thriller “After the Hunt” on Senior Movie Day on July 22 at LOOK Cinemas at Reston Town Center.

🎵Multiplatinum, award-winning artist Tori Amos performs July 22 at Wolf Trap.

🪘Alfredo Mojica & Friends play salsa music on July 22 at Lake Anne Plaza.

💪🏼Take a free RTR Pilates class on July 23 at Reston Town Center.

🪕Bluegrass band The Seldom Scene performs on July 23 at Frying Pan Farm Park as part of Hunter Mill Melodies.

👦🏻👧🏻Grammy-nominated bilingual children’s performer Flor Bromley sings on July 23 at the Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap.

🏄‍♀️Wouldn’t it be nice to hear The Beach Boys on July 23 at Wolf Trap.

🪇Latin pop band Ocho de Bastos plays July 23 at Halley Rise.

👻Take a ghost tour of historic Fairfax City on July 24.

🎹Josh Christina & The Revivals perform rock piano hits on July 24 at Reston Station.

🎭Reston Community Players present the musical “Dear Evan Hansen” on July 24 at South Lakes High School.

🎭STARS Performing Arts presents “The Music Man Sr.!” July 24-25 at the Great Falls Grange.

🎸Bob Dylan performs on July 24-25 at Wolf Trap.

🚣🏻‍♀️Rent a stand-up paddle board on July 25 & 26 at Lake Audubon.

🎸AC/DC tribute band HELL’S BELLES rock out on July 25 at Reston Town Center Pavillion.

🎈Balloon comic Paul Belanger showcases magic, juggling and balloon artistry on July 25 at Reston Town Square Park.

🏋🏻‍♀️Join lululemon’s free workout class on July 26 at Reston Town Center.

🔔Experience a healing sound bath on July 26 at Unity of Fairfax in Oakton.

🖥️Get one-on-one technology help on July 28 at the Reston Regional Library.

🪞Shenandoah Conservatory students present The Disney Classics on July 28 at Reston Town Square Park.

👩🏻‍🍳Experience the Battle of the Chefs on July 29 at Capital One Center.

📏Bad Influence plays blues and roots music on July 29 at Lake Anne Plaza.

🎤 Billboard-charting jazz singer Sharon Rae North performs on July 30 at Frying Pan Farm Park as part of Hunter Mill Melodies.

🎤Desiree Jordan sings R&B and soul classics on July 30 at Halley Rise.

🎸 Rolling Stones tribute band Mother’s Little Helpers play July 31 at Reston Station.

🎸Ace Monroe plays high‑energy hard rock and blues‑rock on Aug. 1 at Reston Town Center.

🎞️ Watch the movie “Minions” on Aug. 1 at Reston Station.

Find all events for these local organizations: Reston Community Center, Town of Vienna Parks and Recreation Programs, Tephra ICA and Arts Fairfax. Find other community events in the Reston Letter.