June 26, 2024

Neighbors,

Since the first organized July 4 celebrations in Philadelphia and Boston in 1777, fireworks have illuminated the night sky to celebrate our independence as a country.

We continue this tradition today with several fireworks shows planned in our area.

Saturday June 29 Lake Fairfax

Enjoy a daylong celebration starting at noon with food trucks, live performances from 4 to 9 p.m. and fireworks at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is $15 in advance and $20 at the gate. It’s also recommended to buy advance tickets if you plan to visit the Water Mine which will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more.

Tuesday, July 2 Vienna's Independence Day Celebration and Fireworks

The Town’s celebration at Yeonis Park begins at 6 p.m. with food and music followed by a spectacular 15-minute fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Listen to Latin music from Argentinian duo Cantaré and headline band Thunderball Savor offerings from local food trucks. Learn more.

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Thursday, July 4 Town of Herndon

Although outside the Hunter Mill District, Herndon is holding a celebration on Independence Day with live music, family games and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Learn more.

Take in a July 4 Concert

If fireworks aren’t for you, take a vicarious trip to The Big Easy with the New Line Brass Band. The local group with New Orleans musical flair will play on July 4 at 7 p.m. at Reston Station. Learn more.

Regards,

Walter

With the loud, unpredictable booms and flashes of light, fourth of July fireworks can stress out your dog or cat. You may notice your dog panting, pacing, whining and drooling. Follow these tips to help your dog:

• Give your dog treats and affection during the fireworks in a process called “counterconditioning.” One study reported that 70% of dog owners said this was the most effective intervention.
• Turn on music or the TV to help mask the sound or play white noise.
• Be with your dog during the fireworks, if you can.
• Make sure your dog can go somewhere they feel safer whether that’s a closet, room, basement, bathtub or their crate.
• Try a pheromone collar or diffuser which may help some dogs, according to research.

Cats are much more likely to hide during fireworks or thunderstorms so make sure there’s a place they can go. If they often spend time outdoors, consider keeping them inside during the fireworks.

The Board of Supervisors met yesterday, June 25. You can watch the meeting here and review the Board agenda and package.

I presented the following board matter on a topic that reminds me of the many reasons why I love local government:

• Educational Materials for Management of Beavers on Private Property

The Board also voted to schedule a July 30 public hearing to expand the Madison Residential Permit Parking District to include Carey Lane between Jerry Lane and Vale Road. Residents on Carey Lane petitioned to be included in this parking district because of overflow parking by many Madison High School students during school hours.



The 2023 A. Heath Onthank Awards were presented, and Reston Community Center Executive Director Leila Gordon was honored for her accomplishments and advocacy for the arts in Reston and across Fairfax County. She chairs the Fairfax County Public Art Master Plan, as well as previously led the task force for the Master Arts Plan: Facilities. The Onthank Award is the highest honor granted to county employees. Congratulations Leila!

Leila Gordon (center) 2023 A. Heath Onthank Award recipient.

Reston Regional Library Closing June 29

Starting Saturday, June 29, the library will be closed for about 10 weeks to undergo renovations, including full ADA updates. Before then, pick up any holds you have at the library or change the destination for them.

While the Reston Library is closed, visit other nearby libraries, including:

• Herndon Fortnightly Library (open Mon. – Sat.)
• Oakton Library (open Mon. – Sat.)
• Tysons-Pimmit Library (open daily)

Learn more about the renovations by watching this video.

Summer Reading Program Offers Prizes and Discounts

The Library's very popular summer reading program for adults and youth runs through Aug. 18. Read to earn prizes like free food and entertainment, including free Wolf Trap lawn seat tickets, $10 off a book purchase and discounted and free ice cream. You qualify for prizes when you earn 10 virtual badges by reading or listening to books, reading for 30 minutes, completing activities or a combination of all three.

Register at fairfaxcounty.beanstack.org.

Sign up for Free Solar Assessment by June 30

The countdown is on! Sign up through June 30 for the limited-time Solarize Virginia 2024 campaign. You’ll get a free assessment to see if solar panels are a good fit for your home, plus guaranteed, discounted prices from vetted installers if you choose to go forward. Sign up now.

Nominate a Friend of Trees by July 31

Do you know a person or organization who’s demonstrated outstanding conservation-based actions to preserve, protect or plant trees? Nominate them by July 31 for a Friends of Trees Award. The Fairfax County Tree Commission and Urban Forest Management Division sponsor this annual award. Nomination form and instructions.

Reston District Police Station Community Engagement Meeting June 26

The station’s Community Advisory Committee meeting is today, June 26, 7 p.m. at the Reston Community Center Lake Anne, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston. These meetings are open to anyone who's interested. Police Chief Kevin Davis is planning to attend. District station officers also will provide updates and answer questions. For more information email jenette.post@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Attend the Town’s free Summer on the Green Concert this Friday night, June 28. Starting at 6:30 p.m., the U.S. Army Blues Swamp Romp will perform traditional jazz and folk music of Louisiana. Concert details. 

Take the Wiehle Avenue Survey Through July 1

Take a short survey to vote on three options to make Wiehle Avenue safer for travel by foot, bike and car between Sunrise Valley Drive and the W&OD Trail. Each option incorporates a mix of different improvements, including lane reductions, wider sidewalks, landscaping and dedicated bike facilities.

Take the Central Green Survey by July 10

As the largest public open space planned for Reston Town Center North, a 3.5-acre central green (PDF) will provide the community with a new focal point for passive and/or active recreational opportunities. By July 10, take a survey to tell us your priorities and activities for this park space.

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens Needs Volunteers

Volunteers are needed to help with weeding, mulching, and taking care of trees in the Korean Bell Garden. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, they need you on Mondays and/or Tuesdays between 8 a.m. to noon. Sign up now.