Annual Membership Meeting

Past Guest Speakers

2006

Claudia Thompson-Deahl, Reston Association’s (RA) Environmental Resource Manager.  Claudia presented information on Reston environmental issues including invasive mute swans, t deer increasing the potential for Lyme’s Disease and eating residents’ landscape plants, tree maintenance, storm drain marking project, watershed stream restoration project, and dumping of yard waste on RA property as well as the plans for Nature House.

2007

Susan Colwell, President of MyGreenCottage, a socially conscious business that designs and provides environmentally friendly homes with materials that conserve resources and result in greater energy efficiency, improved indoor air quality, as well as comfort and style.

Cerphe Colwell, nationally-recognized disc jockey bringing music and interviews with prominent guests to the Washington area, as well as long-time environmentalist, Cerphe and Susan chose Reston for their home because of the natural areas and concern for the environment.   

2008

Kate Sicola of the Fairfax County Division of Solid Waste and Recycling.  Kate conducted a lively question and answer session including a question we commonly hear: How do we know that materials picked up at the curb are really going to a recycling center?  She explained     

Because of the revenue collected and the force of the law.  It is illegal to dispose of materials separated for recycling.  If a hauler takes recyclables to a county disposal facility, enforcement measures are taken. Also, it makes business sense.  The recycling center either takes the recyclables for free or pays for them.  Therefore, it is in the best interest of haulers to recycle as much of their material as possible.

2009

Darrell Beschen, Chief Economist at the U.S. Department of Energy.  He discussed conserving energy as we look towards a future with clean, innovative alternative sources.  For information on a variety of energy topics, including alternatives, use, and forecasts, Darrell suggests we check the Energy Information Administration website at www.eia.doe.gov .

2010

Mariia Zimmerman, Deputy Director for Sustainable Communities at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  She described the federal Sustainable Communities Partnership.  Working together, the Departments of Housing and Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency develop comprehensive strategies for communities to save energy, improve transportation, provide energy efficient housing, and more.  This was followed by board members from Reston Association, Reston Community Center, Sustainable Reston and Friends of Reston organizations discussing environmental activities in Reston.