Fight Back Against Mold Illness with Help from Proactive Wellness Centers

phone-number(703) 822-5003

CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment in Reston, VA

Experiencing mold toxicity is a terrifying thought for most people. Although it may seem like an interesting concept for a medical drama, nobody wants to experience the effects of mold exposure firsthand.

Mold is a fungus that thrives in wet environments, such as under tiles, wood floors, and ceilings, pipes, and roofs. While several types of mold exist, some are more hazardous than others, and some individuals may be allergic or sensitive to mycotoxins, the toxins that mold naturally produces. Exposure to excessive amounts of mold, or the types of mold that trigger health problems, can lead to mold toxicity and even CIRS - Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This acute and chronic systemic inflammatory response syndrome is typically acquired after exposure to mold or other producers of biotoxins, usually from damaged water buildings.

If you believe that you're suffering from mold toxicity or mold illness, it can seem like the world is folding in on you. No matter what you do, your symptoms persist, lowering your quality of life and eliminating your peace of mind. Fortunately, there is reason to be hopeful: Proactive Wellness Centers now offers a research-backed, highly effective mold illness poisoning treatment in Reston, VA for men and women just like yourself and your children as well if they have been impacted.

phone-number(703) 822-5003

Service Areas

Read More

Understanding

CIRS and Mold Toxicity

CIRS and mold illness are on the rise, and accurate diagnosis of the issue plays a major role in this trend. Thanks to Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, there is a huge body of evidence that covers diagnosing and treating patients with CIRS. Dr. Lawson is one of less than 30 practitioners in the United States that are fully certified by Dr. Shoemaker for diagnosing and treating CIRS. The body of evidence by Shoemaker and many associates is the largest body of scientific evidence that is published in major medical journals. Around 80% of CIRS/Mold cases are caused by indoor air contaminated with mold toxins and other triggers. However, it's important to note that CIRS can also be caused by biotoxin producers such as cyanobacteria and a marine dinoflagellate that produces the Ciguatera toxin found in certain types of fish.

When mold or biotoxins are not processed effectively, a series of biochemical changes known as the Biotoxin Pathway occur. Genetic studies have revealed that approximately 24% of individuals have a genetic makeup that makes them susceptible to developing an illness related to mold or biotoxins. The remaining 76% of the population can typically eliminate these toxins from their system and avoid the development of the Biotoxin Pathway that can lead to various diseases.

CIRS Treatment In Reston Reston, VA

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Misdiagnosis

CIRS and mold exposure symptoms overlap with many other chronic illnesses, which makes diagnosis challenging and can even lead to missed diagnosis of CIRS. Based on research from Proactive Wellness Centers, CIRS is frequently misdiagnosed. Some of the most common misdiagnoses include:

  • Lupus
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
  • PTSD
  • More

Lyme disease, in particular, is often misdiagnosed. We have treated a number of patients whose symptoms were in line with Lyme disease. Fortunately, we were able to confirm the presence of CIRS and mold and were able to successfully help those patients using CIRS treatment in Reston, VA.

Note that many of these patients have CIRS and Lyme disease and in that case, it is necessary to treat both in order for full recovery. Treating one or the other will invariably leave the patient with debilitating symptoms and even more frustration with their medical team. At Proactive Wellness Centers, we are skilled In diagnosing and treating both.

VA Reston, VA
CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment In Reston Reston, VA

CIRS and Mold Poisoning Symptoms

If you're reading this page, chances are you're concerned that you might have CIRS or some form of mold poisoning. You may be wondering what you have - is it CIRS, or is it something else like Lyme disease? We can't provide the answer to that question without consultation and testing at our wellness center in Virginia. However, there are common symptoms of CIRS and mold toxicity you should know.

Some of the most common symptoms of CIRS include:

  • Fatigue
  • Decreased Word Finding
  • Headaches
  • Difficulty Concentrating
  • Morning Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Excessive Thirst
  • Tingling
  • Night Sweats
  • Frequent Urination
  • Confusion
  • Mood Swings

Proactive Wellness Centers'

Tools for Diagnosing Mold Sickness and CIRS

Identifying and confirming if a patient is being impacted by CIRS and identifying the cause and source of the biotoxin are the two main steps in diagnosing CIRS and Mold Exposure. To diagnose CIRS and Mold Exposure, the following diagnostic tools are commonly used:

To learn more about the debilitating symptoms of mold sickness and to find out whether you have CIRS or something else, contact Proactive Wellness Centers. Our team of medical professionals is here to help you every step of the way.

VA Reston, VA

Hope for Patients with CIRS: Proactive Wellness Centers' Mold Illness Treatment in Reston, VA

Our approach to treating CIRS utilizes integrative and functional medicine, The Shoemaker Protocol along with the latest evidence-based approaches to treating mold illness and the related secondary issues that it causes. We begin by utilizing advanced diagnostics to confirm the presence of the condition and identify the specific environment causing continued exposure to biotoxins. Next, we take a stepwise approach to halt the progression of the disease, eliminate biotoxins from the body, and reverse any damage to cellular structures. Our goal is to help patients achieve a full recovery.

To do this, we not only have to identify the primary condition like CIRS or Lyme disease, but we then have to continue looking to see if you have any of the common secondary conditions like reactivated EBV, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), and others. Once we understand the totally of your condition, then we can implement a treatment plan tailored for you. Yes, it will leverage the Shoemaker protocol, but we have found that we have to extend the protocol to cover the secondary issues that we uncover.

phone-number(703) 822-5003

The steps we follow to reach that goal include:

In order to initiate the recovery process, it is important to address and resolve any affected areas, or, alternatively, relocate the patient from that environment if necessary. Prolonged exposure to mold can hinder the success of the treatment plan and impede the healing process.

Two commonly used binding agents in the process of treating Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome are Welchol and Cholestyramine. Cholestyramine is particularly effective in binding biotoxins that are processed in the liver's bile ducts and helps to eliminate them from the body. It has been scientifically proven, through placebo-controlled studies, to reverse multiple aspects of the inflammatory process associated with CIRS.

Many individuals experiencing mold sickness and other chronic inflammatory illnesses may have a staph infection called MARCoNS (Multiple Antibiotic Resistant Coagulase Negative Staphylococci) residing deep in their nasal cavities. This infection is resistant to antibiotics and needs to be eliminated for the patient to fully recover.

Each patient requires a customized plan based on the affected areas and CIRS severity. Retesting is necessary after each step to confirm balance restoration. Testing may include some or all of the following:
  • VIP
  • TGF Beta 1
  • MMP9
  • ADH
  • Antigliadin
  • Androgen Imbalance
  • C4a
  • More

In order to halt the growth of mold fungi, patients need to avoid foods that can cause mycotoxins. Some examples of these foods include:
  • Barley
  • Cottonseed
  • Peanuts
  • Corn
  • Black Pepper
  • Figs
  • Rice
  • Bread
  • Beans
  • More
Proactive Wellness has a proven track record of treating patients who have experienced severe health issues without any clear explanation. Unlike other "syndromes," our diagnosis process involves specific tests to confirm a diagnosis rather than simply ruling out other diseases.
CIRS Mold Poisoning Treatment In Reston Reston, VA

Fibromyalgia, Lupus, Chronic Fatigue, and Chronic Pain Syndrome are examples of illnesses that are often diagnosed without such confirmatory tests. If you are experiencing unexplained health issues or have been exposed to water-damaged buildings, it is possible that you are suffering from CIRS or a mold illness.

The good news is that we can diagnose and address this disease with a mold illness treatment program in Reston, VA tailored to your body and your symptoms. That way, we can help you regain your health as soon as possible.

Be Wary of These

5 Symptoms of Mold Exposure

Mold spores can easily be brought into your home on your shoes or clothing or through open windows or doors. If these spores can find a warm, damp, humid environment, they can begin to multiply. Soon, your home can be filled with toxic mold. If you think mold has invaded your home or another environment, like in an office or warehouse, it's important for you to know about the symptoms.

Unfortunately, diagnosing mold issues can be exceptionally difficult. But why? The answer can be quite frustrating.

Book An Appointment

Understanding the Difficulty of Diagnosing Mold Symptoms

Many doctors fail to recognize the impact of mycotoxins emitted by certain indoor mold species, which can lead to chemical and inflammatory reactions. While conventional medicine acknowledges that mold can cause allergies, it may overlook this crucial aspect of mold-related health issues.

This can happen for several reasons:

  • Standardized treatment protocols for mold toxicity are offered mostly by Functional/Integrative physicians as the conventional physicians are not on board despite over 20 years of published research. Due to this issue, patients spend precious months/years going from doctor to doctor in the conventional channel with no answers.
  • Though ERMI testing has been accepted in the integrative/functional medical community, there isn't a "gold standard" in mold testing that is universally accepted.
  • Mold symptoms can manifest in vastly different ways depending on the patient.
VA Reston, VA

After understanding the points above, it's no wonder that mold poisoning can be hard to diagnose. Fortunately, integrative and functional holistic medicine providers and wellness centers like Proactive Wellness are flipping the proverbial script. Unlike traditional clinics, our team considers environmental factors that can affect patient health and has advanced training to provide mold poisoning treatment in Reston, VA.

Now that you understand why mold symptoms are so hard to diagnose let's take a closer look at five of the most common indicators of mold sickness.

Mold Toxicity Symptoms Reston, VA

Fatigue

Fatigue is probably the number one symptom of well over 90% of CIRS patients. The level of fatigue varies from 5 on a 10 point scale all the way to 10 on a 10 point scale. Many patients can no longer work or remain productive as in the worst cases, the fatigue is overwhelming. College students living in moldy dorms frequently have to drop out of school until the illness is treated effectively. Older adults have to retire or stop working due the fatigue. If you have overwhelming fatigue, CIRS may be a major contributor to your illness.

Mold Poisoning Symtoms Reston, VA

Breathing Problems

Exposure to mold can cause a host of respiratory problems, such as breathing difficulties, allergies, and asthma, especially in individuals with a weakened immune system. Mold can worsen asthma, irritate the nasal passages, lungs, and throat, and lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, and nasal congestion. Other health issues such as hypersensitivity pneumonitis, sinus congestion, allergic rhinitis, asthma, and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis have also been associated with mold sickness.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Treatment Reston, VA

Sadness and Depression

Mold can cause a variety of illnesses that can show up in different ways, such as psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, insomnia, concentration problems, and memory loss. It has been reported that nearly 40% of people who live in moldy homes experience depression. Researchers suggest that exposure to toxic mold and dealing with the physical symptoms of mold illness can contribute to mental health issues.

Due to this phenomenon, many mold patients are given antidepressant medications in the conventional channels.

Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome Symptoms Reston, VA

Feeling "Pins and Needles"

Numbness, twitching, or tingling in the extremities, such as hands, feet, legs, and arms, is another symptom of mold illness. The sensation is similar to pins and needles, which are often felt when the body is held in an uncomfortable position for a long time. While this sensation can indicate serious nerve damage or disease, it can also be a symptom of mold sickness.

CIRS Treatment In Reston Reston, VA

Digestion Problems and Disorders

When exposed to mold, individuals may experience various digestive problems. Some may lose their appetite, leading to unintentional weight loss. Others may suffer from stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. Furthermore, the influx of mold spores may trigger systemic inflammation, causing bloating and weight gain due to the digestive system's exposure to harmful mold.

VA Reston, VA

Ask Us Anything

Book An Appointment phone-number(703) 822-5003

Top Tips for

Controlling Mold in Your Environment

It's not possible to completely eliminate all mold and mold spores from your home or place of work. However, since mold spores need moisture to grow, the best way to prevent or get rid of growth is to reduce the moisture in your environment. If you already have mold growing there, it's important to clean it up and address the issue causing dampness. If you only clean up the mold and don't address the underlying problem, the mold is likely to return.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture throughout your home or office:

  • Use A/C or Dehumidifiers. This is especially important if you live in a hot, humid area of the United States.
  • Ensure A/C drip pans are clean, dry, and obstruction-free.
  • Thoroughly dry areas that are damp or wet within 48 hours.
  • Be sure to install insulation in cold areas like your home's exterior walls and windows. Doing so will reduce condensation.
  • Work with an HVAC company to check your HVAC system. Doing so can help ensure your unit is removing as much humidity as possible.
  • Keep the humidity in your home below 60% whenever possible.
CIRS Mold Toxicity Treatment In Reston Reston, VA
VA Reston, VA

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in your kitchen:

  • Check for leaks near your ice makers, sinks, and anywhere else water is present.
  • Make sure your exhaust fans are directing moisture outside, not into your attic.
  • If you notice your appliances are causing moisture on windows and other surfaces, turn them off as soon as you're done using them.

Here are some tips to help reduce moisture in crawlspaces:

  • Use a plastic covering on the dirt in your crawlspace. Doing so will prevent moisture from saturating the ground.
  • Ensure that your crawlspace or basement is ventilated well.
  • Check your home's gutters. Make sure they're directing water away from your property, not toward your foundation or crawlspace.

Your Top Choice for

Mold Toxicity Treatment in Reston, VA

Trying to "tough it out" through life with CIRS isn't any way to live. If you're suffering from the effects of biotoxin illness, you should know that there are solutions available to help you reclaim your health and your life. With the help of a can-do attitude, healthy living, and mold illness treatment from Proactive Wellness, there's light at the end of the dark tunnel you're trapped within. Contact our office today to get started on your first step toward recovery!

phone-number(703) 822-5003

Appointment Form

Latest News in Reston, VA

FFXnow Daily Debrief for May 6, 2024

The Washington Capitals will soon unveil a new sports facility in Northern Virginia — one likely to be much less controversial than the team owner’s failed push for an arena in Alexandria.Installation of the ...

The Washington Capitals will soon unveil a new sports facility in Northern Virginia — one likely to be much less controversial than the team owner’s failed push for an arena in Alexandria.

Installation of the inline skate rink donated by the D.C.-based professional hockey team to Lake Fairfax Park (1400 Lake Fairfax Drive) in Reston is expected to finish this week, according to the Fairfax County Park Authority.

The park authority and Capitals will celebrate the project’s completion with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and free ball hockey clinic at the rink this Saturday (May 11) from 10 a.m. to noon.

Located next to Lake Fairfax Park’s campground, athletic fields and skate park, the 85-foot-by-185-foot rink is the first facility of its kind at a county park, FCPA spokesperson Benjamin Boxer says. It features player and penalty boxes, hockey goals, bleachers and “ample” lighting to support daytime and evening use.

Under construction since last June, the rink was built with sport floor tiles on an asphalt pad, making it “ideal for roller hockey and skating” and allowing for “easy maintenance and modular tile replacement,” according to the park authority.

“There is literally something for everyone in the Fairfax County park system,” Boxer told FFXnow by email. “This new inline skate rink is a first for the Park Authority and it opens up another recreational opportunity for residents to enjoy and continues our commitment to provide wide diversity in program and facility offerings to serve the interests and needs of a diverse community.”

The inline skate rink is the product of an ongoing partnership between Fairfax County and the Capitals that began in 2021, when Fairfax County Public Schools joined the NHL team’s Hockey School Program, according to Capitals Director of Youth Hockey Development Peter Robinson.

Offered in 1,601 local schools that collectively reach over 1 million students, the program provides floor hockey equipment, teacher training and a custom curriculum to physical education teachers in all FCPS elementary and middle schools.

“The Washington Capitals are dedicated to growing the game of hockey by providing access to the sport in all its forms,” Robinson said. “A portion of that growth strategy is investing in the off-ice game by building facilities and creating programming within the community.”

Robinson says the team “jumped” at the opportunity to expand its partnership with the county by collaborating on the ball/inline skate rink at Lake Fairfax Park.

Though the facility was donated by the Capitals, the park authority was responsible for preparing the site and supporting infrastructure. The project cost the county an estimated $1.9 million, which came from park bonds approved by voters in 2020.

“Over the past ten years the Washington Capitals, along with the NHL/NHLPA, have invested over $3.5 million in growing the game off the ice,” Robinson said by email. “This rink project is a part of that overall investment strategy, and we are excited to begin offering programming at the new rink starting this summer.”

The Capitals’ programming at the rink will begin this Saturday with the free hockey clinic, which is part of the team’s Try Hockey for Free program. Starting at 11 a.m., the clinic will give attendees a chance to practice their stickhandling, passing, shooting and small games.

Though the clinic is free, advance registration is required, since spots are limited. Community members don’t need to bring equipment or prior hockey experience to participate.

Details about future programs, including classes and summer clinics, will be posted on the Capitals’ youth hockey development website.

The Lake Fairfax inline skate rink will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. The rink can be reserved for $75 per hour, but when not reserved, it’s open to the general public for free on a first-come, first-served basis, Boxer says.

12 Best Things To Do In Reston, Virginia

There’s a lot to love about Reston, Virginia. Just 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., this vibrant town can feel both urban and ...

There’s a lot to love about Reston, Virginia. Just 30 minutes from Washington, D.C., this vibrant town can feel both urban and suburban. Reston was one of the first planned communities in the country and was designed as a place to work, play, learn, shop, and get involved. Today, it’s noted for its open-air town center, green spaces, arts and culture, and walking and biking trails that make it easy to get around Reston. Book a room at the Hyatt Regency Reston to be at the center of the action when you come to explore. Here’s what to do on your next visit to Reston.

Get To Know Reston

Lake Anne Plaza is one of five village centers in Reston that attracts residents and visitors alike with its weekly seasonal farmers market, walking trails, boutique shops, and gathering places, like Café Montmartre and Lake Anne Coffee House. In summer, look for festivals, like the Cardboard Boat Regatta and Reston Pride, as well as pedal boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard rentals on the 17-acre lake. Stop to snap a few photos of the beloved Van Gogh Bridge.

lakeannemerchantsassociation.org, 1609 Washington Plaza N, Reston, VA 20190

Stop in the free Reston Museum for artifacts, exhibits, photographs, and art works that illustrate the history of Reston, one of the first planned communities in the United States. Temporary and permanent exhibits share how Reston came to be Reston, from the early days in 1962 when the town was little more than a master plan that placed importance on walkability, amenities, recreation areas, and usability as a space for work and play.

restonmuseum.org, 1639 Washington Plaza N, Reston, VA 20190

Reston Town Center is widely considered the heart of Reston. Since Reston Town Center opened in 1990, this mixed-use open-air space has grown, adding more offices, restaurants, bars, shops, a movie theater, a fountain, a four-star hotel, and a seasonal ice skating rink. The Washington & Old Dominion Trail, a 45-mile paved rail-trail, skirts along Reston Town Center’s south side. In November 2022, the Reston Town Center subway station opened, allowing easy public transit access to and from Reston.

restontowncenter.com, 11900 Market St, Reston, VA 20190

Get Outside In Reston

The paved 45-mile Washington & Old Dominion Trail runs from Arlington to Purcellville, Virginia. A great place to pick up the trail in Reston is at Bike Lane Brewing & Café, a bike shop that sells coffees, teas, pastries, and cold brews. The shop also sells, services, and rents bikes, including pedal-assist e-bikes, for those who want to hit the trail but don’t have a bike.

thebikelane.com, 11150 Sunset Hills Rd STE 110, Reston, VA 20190

NOVA Wild is a 30-acre non-profit zoo that supports international conservation programs, like Worth Wild Africa, which works to conserve wildlife species. The zoo is home to more than 200 animals, including lemurs, llamas, kangaroos, and pygmy goats. NOVA Wild has a drive-thru safari and stroll-thru sections where visitors can view, pet, and feed select zoo animals.

novawild.org, 1228 Hunter Mill Rd, Vienna, VA 22182

Walker Nature Center is a 72-acre green space in Reston that offers nature-based programs that help visitors grow positive and respectful relationships with the natural environment. At the nature center, there are wooded walking trails, picnic tables, a small pond, and native plant gardens. Walker Nature Center offers children’s programs, nature camps, bird walks, and wildlife counts.

reston.org/walker-nature-center, 11450 Glade Dr, Reston, VA 20191

At 476 acres, Lake Fairfax Park is the largest public park in Reston. There’s a lot to do at Lake Fairfax Park, too. You’ll find a campground, a carousel, picnic pavilions, multi-use trails, a skate park, a pump track, a water park, and a marina on the 18-acre lake with pedalboat and kayak rentals. Reston is also home to several other green spaces, including Fred Crabtree Park, Baron Cameron Park, and Hunter Woods Park.

fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/lake-fairfax, 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190

Eat And Drink In Reston

For drinks out with friends, you’re covered in Reston. In late-2023, Sixty Vines, a wine-themed restaurant with 60 wines on tap opened at Reston Town Center. Yes, wines on tap. Wines come from reusable kegs rather than single-use glass bottles. You can also sample wines (and tapas) at Barcelona Wine Bar. For fruity cocktails with colorful umbrellas, head to Tiki Thai. There’s even a hidden speakeasy in Reston called Heirloom (hint, it’s tucked into Open Road Distilling Co.).

Brunch is everyone’s favorite meal and Reston has more than a few restaurants that know how to do brunch. A favorite is Makers Union, which serves up brunch faves like smashed avocado toast and smoked salmon lox. It’s a must to order the maple-sweet monkey bread. For more brunch deliciousness – as well as mimosas and bellinis – head to Founding Farmers or Ted’s Bulletin.

It’s easy to love an open-air patio and there are plenty of places to eat outside in Reston, including Ariake, a Japanese restaurant and Cafesano, a Mediterranean restaurant. Another favorite is Kalypso’s Sports Tavern on Lake Anne, which is considered by many to have the best waterfront and dog-friendly dining in Fairfax County. Red’s Table is another top pick when you want to enjoy delicious cuisine and enjoy the views across Lake Anne from the open-air dining room.

Cultural Sites

For arts and culture, there are wonderful museums and art galleries in Reston, including Tephra Institute of Contemporary Art, which celebrates 50 years in 2024. Tephra ICA hosts art exhibitions, as well as public programs that encourage a meaningful dialogue about art works. At Reston Art Gallery, which is only open on weekends, look for rotating exhibitions in a variety of art mediums, including photography, sculpture, and oil painting. Reston has a variety of public art works, too.

At Reston’s CenterStage, a 260-seat theatre hosts dozens of cultural performances each year that range from musicals to author talks to comedy shows. There are also live concerts throughout the year in such musical genres as classical, soul, and bluegrass. CenterStage is known for summer concerts and annual festivals, like the Reston Multicultural Festival.

restoncommunitycenter.com, 2310 Colts Neck Rd, Reston, VA 20191

Google announces $1 billion investment to expand data center campuses in northern Virginia

Google announced the company is expanding data centers in northern Virginia during a news conference on April 26, 2024. (7News)...RESTON, Va. (7News) — On Friday, Google announced the company is expanding data centers in northern Virginia.“Google has called Virginia home for more than 15 years now,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet and Google.Google plans to invest $1 billion in data center expansion this year in Virginia, and on Frid...

Google announced the company is expanding data centers in northern Virginia during a news conference on April 26, 2024. (7News)

...

RESTON, Va. (7News) — On Friday, Google announced the company is expanding data centers in northern Virginia.

“Google has called Virginia home for more than 15 years now,” said Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Alphabet and Google.

Google plans to invest $1 billion in data center expansion this year in Virginia, and on Friday, Google announced $75 million for AI workforce development initiatives to help over one million Americans learn essential AI skills.

Google has two data centers in Loudoun County.

“And today, I’m really pleased to announce that we are investing [an] additional $1 billion in Virginia to expand those campuses and to add a third data center in Prince William County,” said Porat.

"Today is a great day. We’ve got a $1 billion investment in the commonwealth,” said Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

READ | Prince William County approves world's largest data center project amid 27-hour debate

Youngkin joined Google executives for the announcement in Reston.

“Virginia is the global hub for data centers unlike any other place in the world,” Youngkin said. “We are larger than the next five US markets combined. We are larger than the next four global markets combined.”

On Friday, Youngkin spoke about the benefits of data centers for local communities.

ALSO READ | Prince William County residents sue county over recently approved Bristow, Va. data center

“$2.2 billion of wages are paid to Virginians associated with our data center ecosystem,” said Youngkin. “$1 billion in local revenue that funds an immense investment in schools and public services and social services. And in Loudoun County alone, 25% of these essential services are funded by the data community.”

Data center expansion has been a controversial topic in both Loudoun County and Prince William County.

RELATED | 'You got to fight:' Prince William Co. woman organizes lawsuit against county for data center proposal

In recent years, Loudoun County and Prince William County residents have spoken out about data center expansion.

And recently, County Supervisors and County Chairs in Loudoun and Prince William Counties have been critical of data center expansion.

7News asked Google if they need approval from the Board of Supervisors in Loudoun County or Prince William County to expand.

MORE | Warrenton residents demand more answers on Amazon data center project

“We are excited to grow our data center presence in Loudoun and Prince William and are working with the local municipalities on all of the necessary permits and approvals to support our operations. Our Loudoun sites are located near Arcola and Leesburg, both of which are in the overlay district as designated by the county," a Google spokesperson told 7News.

After the announcement, Gov. Youngkin was asked about the pushback on data center development in northern Virginia.

“I think that community engagement around data center development is hugely important,” said Youngkin. “I do believe that there really is a requirement for local leadership at the board of supervisors or city council levels to be very responsive to their citizens and again to be very transparent, and to work with the data center community to express their concerns and to allow people to react to them. This should be a very open communication."

“Google’s announcement today of a $1 billion investment in our Virginia data centers brings our total investments across the state to more than $4 billion,” said Porat. “In addition, our AI Essentials Course and $75 million Google.org AI Opportunity Fund will help provide access to the economic opportunities AI can offer. Together with our partners and community-led organizations, Google is committed to delivering targeted AI skilling and training so that Virginians, veterans, and millions of others can make the most of the opportunities of today and tomorrow.”

Elden Street Tea Shop to launch new Reston location with tea festival

The Elden Street Tea Shop is almost ready to unveil its new location in Reston.After closing its original Herndon location in January, the business is set to reopen at 1633A Washington Plaza in Lake Anne Plaza this Saturday (May 4).The tea shop will celebrate its grand opening in conjunction with the second annual ...

The Elden Street Tea Shop is almost ready to unveil its new location in Reston.

After closing its original Herndon location in January, the business is set to reopen at 1633A Washington Plaza in Lake Anne Plaza this Saturday (May 4).

The tea shop will celebrate its grand opening in conjunction with the second annual Northern Virginia Tea Festival, which will take place on the Lake Anne Plaza waterfront from 12:30 to 6:30 p.m.

Sponsored by the Lake Anne Washington Plaza Merchant Association, the festival is expected to draw more than 40 vendors who will sell various tea-related products and accessories, according to a press release.

“Visitors can browse and shop for everything from loose-leaf teas and tea blends to tea sets, teapots, and infusers, as well as local crafts and unique gifts,” the merchant association said in an announcement for the festival. “…The Tea Festival is a fun and educational experience for all with plenty of opportunities to sample teas, learn from experts, and have fun!”

Other activities will include live music, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony demonstration, morning yoga sessions, classes and workshops, and chai-making and costume contests.

While admission to the vendor market is free, access to the classes, workshops and tea ceremony will require a ticket. Tickets will be sold at the festival, but a Northern Virginia Tea Excursion package that includes a full-day trip to Lunch The Tea Cart in Berryville on May 5 has sold out.

The tea festival was first held in May 2023 at Elden Street Tea Shop’s first location at 714 Pine Street in Herndon.

Co-owner Rachel Eisenfeld previously told FFXnow that the business had outgrown the space, which it established in 2017. Though they hoped to retain the downtown Herndon location while opening a second spot, lease negotiations with the landlord stalled, leading the shop to relocate instead.

Elden Street Tea Shop sells loose-leaf tea, both in-store and wholesale. Once it reopens in Reston, it will offer a variety of events, such as tea parties, yoga and tea meditation, paddle board tea time, open mic night and literary tea hours.

Toddler Time with Joan Waites

Join us at Scrawl Books on Wednesday. May 8 at 11AM as we welcome Joan Waites! Joan will be reading from her most recent board book, Finley Feels. This event will be most appropriate for ages 0-4, but children of all ages are welcome!Order ahead here: https://www.scrawlbooks.com/event/toddler-time-joan-waitesABOUT THE BOOKFinley is a piebald dachshund who just wants a new...

Join us at Scrawl Books on Wednesday. May 8 at 11AM as we welcome Joan Waites! Joan will be reading from her most recent board book, Finley Feels. This event will be most appropriate for ages 0-4, but children of all ages are welcome!

Order ahead here: https://www.scrawlbooks.com/event/toddler-time-joan-waites

ABOUT THE BOOK

Finley is a piebald dachshund who just wants a new family. But with any new experience comes some very big feelings!

Finley is a piebald dachshund who just wants a new family! But with this new experience comes some very big feelings.

Finley was sad.Finley was scared.Finley was anxious.

Follow along with this little dog as he deals with all the emotions of being adopted. From initially feeling shy and curious to eventually feeling playful and happy, Finley slowly adjusts to his new home and a jealous kitty. Through playful illustrations, young readers will easily identify with this sweet puppy, especially the excitement he feels when his new best friend comes home for school. All pets deserve a loving home, and this adoption story leaves you feeling just as loved as Finley is by his new family.

Sturdy board pages are designed for young children learning to read and encourages readers to build their emotional vocabulary in a kid-friendly, accessible format. This adorable book about a little dachshund highlights the many common emotions a young child feels when experiencing something scary or unfamiliar, and then ultimately taking comfort in the fact that when they are loved, things will be okay.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Joan Waites is an award-winning author-illustrator with more than 45 titles published for the children's trade and educational markets, including A Colorful Tail: Finding Monet at Giverny, A Purr-fect Painting: Matisse's Other Great Cat, and A Bone for Bo: Painting with Georgia O'Keeffe. A former adjunct faculty member of the Corcoran Museum's school of art and design for their aspiring-artists programs, she continues to teach art for children and adults. Joan is a member of the Children's Book Guild of Washington, DC, and the National Art Education Association and previously served as the Mid-Atlantic SCBWI illustrator coordinator. Visit her at http://www.joanwaites.com or follow her on Instagram at @‌joanwaites.​

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.