July 10, 2024

Neighbors,

Did you know that the U.S. uses more plastic products than any other country in the world — almost 500 pounds per person?

Plastics are found everywhere in our daily lives whether it’s a shopping bag, bottled water or food packaging. This familiar material offers us great convenience — but it also comes at a cost to the environment and possibly our health too.

However, we can all take small, simple steps to reduce our use of plastics, especially single-use plastics. This is the call-to-action for Plastic Free July. Join the challenge this month, and look at Clean Fairfax's tips and information. Or check out these alternatives to single-use plastics like reusable produce bags for grocery shopping. And remember in Fairfax County you can avoid 5 cents per bag by going with reusable bags!

As always, our individual actions can make a collective difference. I invite everyone to do their part. Let’s all do what we can.

Regards,

Walter

The CDC recently warned that there’s an increased risk for contracting the dengue virus in the United States.

Why It Matters: There have been more than 2,300 cases so far this year, including 13 in Virginia based on CDC data. This includes up to four cases in Fairfax County.

• Public health officials don’t expect a widespread outbreak across the continental U.S.
• Infected people who return from trips abroad can spread the disease when bitten by mosquitos at home.
• Most U.S. dengue cases occurred in Puerto Rico where the disease is endemic—or in constant, widespread circulation.
• However, there have been local acquired cases in Florida, Texas, Arizona and California.

What to Know: About 75% of people who are infected don’t have any symptoms — but for others, dengue — often called breakbone fever — can cause high fevers and painful muscle, joint and bone pain.

How to Protect Yourself: What’s the best way to prevent any mosquito-borne illness, including dengue, West Nile and Zika virus? Don’t get bitten. Follow these tips:

• Get rid of standing water from downspouts, roof gutters and bird baths. Mosquitos can breed in as little as a teaspoon of water.
• Defend yourself: Wear insect repellent. 
• Avoid peak times: Stay indoors at dawn and early evening. 
• Dress right: Wear long, loose and light-colored clothing when outdoors. 
• Keep them outside: Install, repair or replace screens on both windows and doors.
• Ask the Fairfax County Health Department to inspect your yard to find potential mosquito breeding sites.

Today is the last day to take the survey for the central Green for Reston Town Center North.

Why it Matters: You can help shape the plans for this green space before rezoning plans are drawn up.

• Express your priorities for this open space and what activities you want to see there.
• At 3.5-acres, this is the largest single public open space planned for Reston Town Center North.
• It will provide the community with a new focal point for passive and/or active recreational opportunities. 

I had the pleasure to participate in Michael Meyers’ Eagle Scout project recently. He planted native trees and shrubs in Tysons Forest along the Vesper Trail, helping to enhance biodiversity, attract crucial pollinators and improve ecological health. Congratulations Michael and Troop 51!

Reston Planning and Zoning Meeting July 15

This virtual meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend. To participate by phone, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 739 952 473#

Hunter Mill Land Use Committee Meeting July 16

The committee will meet virtually on Tuesday, July 16 at 7:30 p.m. Use this link to attend. To participate by phone, dial 571-429-5982 and use conference call ID: 173 598 629#

For more information about either meeting, email Mark Goldberg-Foss or call 703-478-5123.



Liberty Amendments Month is coming to a close next week, and the final major event is the Vienna Multicultural Festival this Friday, July 12, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Vienna Town Green. Come for the food trucks, kids activities, live music, storytelling, Thai fruit and vegetable carving demo, Choy Won Lion Dance Troup, and Malian music. Volunteers are also needed. To help, contact Lilly Dunning Widman by email or call 703-255-5738.

Save a Life. Donate Blood.

Blood donations decline in the summer, yet every 2 seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. So roll up your sleeves to save a life, and earn rewards when you donate this summer. Get an Olympics-themed gift when you donate to Inova now through Aug. 8. Or earn a free movie ticket and a chance to win a truck when you donate to the Red Cross through July 31.

Vegetable Garden Clinic July 13

Are your tomato plants getting brown spots? Do you have beetles attacking your cucumber plants? If you’ve got questions or problems with your vegetable garden, get help from the county’s Master Gardeners this Saturday, July 13 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Baron Cameron Park, 11300 Baron Cameron Avenue. Details.

Funk, Soul, Rock and R&B Concert July 12

With powerhouse vocals, Pebble to Pearl will lay down their unique blend of funk, soul, rock and R&B music on Friday, July 12 at 7 p.m. at Reston Station. This concert is part of the Reston Community Center’s “Summerbration” concert series. Details.