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July 16, 2025
Neighbors,
Next year marks the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the independence of our nation, and Virginia’s role in shaping these events.
We’re commemorating these founding moments in our nation’s history when the foundations of our democracy are being tested once again, as they have been in the past. So, this statewide semiquincentennial celebration offers an opportunity to reflect on our country’s past, present and future.
I had such a moment last week when I visited the VA250 Mobile Museum during its stop in Vienna. This interactive, traveling museum presents the history of our revolutionary founding.
It made me hopeful as I think about the present and future. The museum does a good job exploring the perspective and experiences of different members of the broader community — not just the George Washingtons and Thomas Jeffersons — but all who were in Virginia at the time. Women who had no voting rights, enslaved Virginians who were promised freedom if they fought on the British side, native Americans, and others who are typically not the headliners in American history books are featured in the museum.
Today we have very different perspectives across our community as well. As we have major political disagreements — not unlike our founders — it reminds me that as a nation we have a common history and purpose to build upon as we continually work to form a more perfect union. (Watch my remarks in this TV interview during my visit to the museum.)
In Thomas Jefferson’s words, which are inscribed on his memorial in D.C.: “I am certainly not an advocate for frequent and untried changes in laws and constitutions….But I know also that laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind.”
As the anniversary celebrations continue, I hope you’ll have a chance to enjoy and engage in the many events and activities in our area and beyond.
In Fairfax County, our 250th Commission established by the Board of Supervisors is leading the charge for our anniversary events, activities, projects and educational resources. And, just yesterday, the Board approved the creation of Fairfax County’s America 250th Signature Experience (as brought forward by Supervisor Storck and Chairman McKay). Stay tuned for more details about our own immersive experience that will be visiting locations across the county.
Regards,
Walter
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- In the Community
- Board of Supervisors Update
- Attend My Summer Town Hall
- Joining the Metro Board
- Comment on Fairfax Area Agency on Aging Draft Plan
- Kill the Spotted Lanternfly Now
- Meet Summer Intern Akshara Sagar
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What's News in Vienna
- Events and Activities
| | Thanks to the Specially Adapted Resource Centers (SPARC) for inviting me and other elected officials to their pancake breakfast. It was inspiring to support SPARC’s annual event that helps fund its incredible education programs for adults with disabilities, including their scholarships, new microgreens curriculum, Zumba, yoga, and therapeutic art and music classes. | | Board of Supervisors Update | | |
The Board of Supervisors met yesterday July 15. You can watch the meeting and review the agenda and package.
Recognizing the Musical Capital of Fairfax County
While it’s usually all business during our board meetings, we had a bit of fun yesterday. Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman introduced a tongue-in-check motion to proclaim his district at the musical “capital” of Fairfax County.
Given Hunter Mill District’s pantheon of musical greats (Benny Blanco, need I say more?), the capital is clearly our district. Read my retort to Supervisor Bierman.
Celebrating the ADA’s 35th Anniversary
We recognized the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, affirming the county’s commitment to inclusion, equity and the rights and dignity for people with disabilities. (See photo above.) Our resolution was accepted by Jamie Gibbs, the vice chair of the Fairfax Area Disability Services Board.
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Crescent Apartments Transferred to the Housing Authority
What happened: We approved transferring the Board-owned Crescent Apartments to the Fairfax County Redevelopment and Housing Authority (FCHRA). This action moves forward the plan to rebuild these affordable housing units along with additional apartments.
Why it matters: With the transfer approved, the housing authority may now begin developing plans to redevelop the roughly 16-acre site at Lake Anne Village Center.
Not only will this project offer the 150 households living there now with new, improved affordable housing, but also it will offer more affordable and market-rate units at this location.
It also advances the Board’s goal (and mine) to create 10,000 new affordable housing units by 2034, and it supports Lake Anne’s economic revitalization consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan.
What’s next: FCHRA will hold more outreach meetings with Crescent residents this summer, and simultaneously, the agency will start to develop a request for proposal under the Public-Private Educational Facilities and Infrastructure Act to find a developer for the project.
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Resident Curator Lease for Historic Ashgrove House Approved
What happened: We approved leasing the historic Ash Grove House to Sheila Consaul through the county’s Resident Curator Program.
Curators live in publicly owned historic properties rent-free in exchange for rehabilitating them.
What it means: Consaul will now be able to begin renovations at this house built by the Fairfax family that’s also one of the few standing 18th century Virginia houses. She’s an experienced preservationist who previously lived in Reston for 12 years.
What’s next: Consaul says she will move into the house this week and begin renovations next week, following a workplan that the Park Authority approved. (Watch the video above of her comments.) Her plan includes a full renovation of the kitchen, upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems and repairs to the interior walls, ceilings and woodwork.
| | Attend My Summer Town Hall July 30 | | |
What's hapenning: Mark your calendars. I’ll be holding my summer town hall on Wednesday, July 30 at 7 p.m. at the Vienna Elementary School cafeteria. This is an open forum where you can share your questions and concerns with me.
If you wish, you’re welcome to submit your questions in advance; email them to Jillian Smith or call my office.
Backpack Drive: At the meeting, we’ll also be collecting back-to-school supplies to support the Cornerstones drive. You’re invited to drop off any supplies you’ve collected at the town hall meeting or at my office at the North County Governmental Center (1801 Cameron Glen Drive, Reston) until July 31. Shop for items on the Cornerstones Amazon Wish List or buy food and supplies on this list.
Learn more: For more information or reasonable ADA accommodations, please contact my office by email or call 703-478-0283, TTY 711.
| | Officially Joining the Metro Board | | |
What happened: I was officially sworn in as a principal director to the Metro Board this past Thursday. (Watch the video above.)
As a principal member, I will help to determine the transit agency’s policies and provide oversight of the system’s funding, operation and improvements. I am one of two representatives for Virginia on the eight-member board.
Safety & Operations Chair: I am now also serving as chair of the board’s Safety and Operations Committee. This committee is responsible for the:
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Service Excellence goal in the Strategic Transformation Plan and provides strategic guidance on the broader initiative and programs.
- Oversight and policies to assure that all facilities, equipment and operations of the transit system are safe and secure for passengers, employees and the public.
- Customer experience and service, operating plans and performance, and ensuring that employees and the public have accessible channels for reporting safety, crime and security concerns.
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Comment Now on the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging
Draft Plan FY 2026
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What’s happening: Help shape the Fairfax Area Agency on Aging’s programs for older adults and their caregivers, including nutrition programs, caregiver support and education, transportation and volunteer opportunities. Offer your feedback on their Draft Area Plan for FY 2026 by July 25.
Why it Matters: This plan outlines the agency’s goals, priorities and strategies for providing services over the next year. The agency’s primary goal is to help older adults remain independent, safe and healthy in their homes and communities.
| | Kill the Spotted Lanternfly Now | | |
What’s Happening: Now is the time to kill the invasive Spotted Lanternfly as the adult insects become abundant through August. Squash them if you see them before they start laying their eggs in September.
Why it Matters: The Spotted Lanternfly is a threat to vineyards and fruit crops including grapes, blueberries, peaches and apples, as well as other trees and plants. However, their favorite host is another invasive plant: tree of heaven. (Watch this video to learn how to identify and remove this invasive tree from your yard.) They feed on sap from the plants they infest, weakening or damaging them.
While the lanternfly is generally just a nuisance for trees commonly found in residential landscapes, these pests excrete a sticky, sugary fluid when they feed. Called honeydew, this sticky residue causes sooty mold that can further damage plants and attract ants, flies, bees and wasps.
Tell Me More: Vineyards in Purcellville, Middleburg and Leesburg reported sightings of this pest this spring. To combat them, hundreds of volunteers fanned out across 12 vineyards in Loudoun County for a “Scrape for the Grape” event to destroy an estimated 6.3 million lanternfly eggs. In Fairfax County, the Paradise Springs Winery said they took a 10% hit to their bottom line last year due to the sap-sucking insect, according to this FOX 5 news story. However, new research shows that lanternfly nymphs that only feed on grapes are less likely to make it to adulthood. When fed on both grapes and the tree of heaven, however, their survival rates jumped up to 72%. This finding shows the importance of eliminating the invasive tree of heaven in order to control the lanternfly.
| | Meet Our Summer Intern Akshara Sagar | |
What’s happening: I’m pleased and fortunate to have Herndon-resident Akshara Sagar interning in my office this summer! She’s a Westfield High School graduate who will be attending Indiana University this fall, studying at the Kelley School of Business. I first met her last year when she interviewed me, following her internship with the county’s Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
Community Service: As a result of her work with NCS, she started a blog to help people without any family or support systems to feel less lonely. She’s also volunteered with a nonprofit to tutor Spanish-speaking students in English, math, and writing, and she helped to raise $50,000 for the American Indian Foundation to provide STEM education for girls in more than 25 cities and states in India.
Life Lessons: She’s an avid reader who’s current favorite book is “Tuesdays With Morrie.” It’s Mitch Albom’s moving account of the lessons on how to live that he received from his former college professor during the last months of his life. The book has taught her that life is short so you must enjoy the present moment.
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Chillin' on Church on Friday
Enjoy Vienna’s block party Chillin’ on Church this Friday with food trucks, beer and wine and live music by Rev 6 as they perform top-40 hits with custom arrangements, mashups and medleys. Food trucks will serve up Korean fusion, tacos, BBQ, West African cuisine, shave ice and more.
Mayor’s Walk on Friday Includes Garden Tour
Join the Mayor’s Walk this Friday at 9:30 a.m. You’ll explore Miguel and Wanpen Ordonez’s backyard, sustainable vegetable garden. (To get a sneak peak, watch this video.) However, the tour is limited to 15 people so register now. Call the Town Clerk at 703-255-6304.
| | Stay Informed and In Touch | |
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn
703-478-0283, TTY 711
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