Neighborhood Network News: January 11, 2023
Published on January 11, 2023
By Office of Communication
There are a few days left to take advantage of Arlington’s leaf recycling program, enjoy the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, how to receive free microchips and vaccines from Arlington Animal Services, and tips to prevent Egret rookeries in this week’s Neighborhood Network News.
Arlington's Leaf Recycling Program Runs Through Jan. 16, 2023
Take advantage of the annual free leaf recycling program through Jan. 16. Help reduce landfill waste by collecting and bagging your leaves. Residents may be seeing bagged leaves sitting at the curb waiting for collection a bit longer than usual this year but please note that the City’s contractor, Republic Services, is working tirelessly to get all residential trash collected as quickly as possible. Residential trash collection delays have been typical around this time of the year, mostly due to the high volume of bagged leaves and household trash generated during the holiday season. And since COVID, the volume of household trash has increased while labor shortages continue to impact Republic Services. To minimize potential delays to the collection of regular trash, Republic Services crews will be collecting approximately one cubic yard of bagged leaves per collection day. Crews are picking up as many bags as they can, but possibly not as many as they were able to in years past, to avoid running behind.
All of the collected leaves will be mulched, and will be free to Arlington residents in the spring (based on availability).
Arlington’s Four-Day Martin Luther King Jr ‘Advancing the Dream’ Celebration Set for Jan. 13-16, 2023
The annual Arlington Martin Luther King, Jr. "Advancing the Dream" Celebration is set for Jan. 13-16, 2023. As one of the largest celebrations in the state, this four-day event attracts thousands of Arlington-area residents each year. The theme for this year’s festivities, organized by the Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee, is “Advancing the Dream: Moving Toward Unity, Justice and Peace.”
The events include the MLK Advancing the Dream Gala, MLK Step Show and Talent Showcase, MLK Poetry Meets Jazz, MLK/Hubert Moss Ecumenical Service, Zeb Strong Jr. MLK Day of Service, MLK Day of Service Festival and the MLK Youth Musical Extravaganza.
Free Microchip and Vaccination Clinic for Arlington Pets, Jan. 14, 2023
Mark your calendars! Arlington Animal Services is having a microchip and vaccination clinic for Arlington residents on Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, made possible by community partner Operation Kindness. They will offer free microchips and vaccinations to dogs and cats. The event will be held in the Community Room of Arlington Animal Services at 1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Hundreds of Egrets migrate to Arlington each year, typically beginning in February, in search of a favorable nesting area to form their rookery. Egrets are federally protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. By law, none of these birds can be killed, or their nests disturbed once they have eggs or young.
Arlington Animal Services uses a proactive approach and uses loud noise makers in select areas to help residents humanely send the birds away. Additionally, Animal Services has long extension poles available to help residents knock nest-building materials out of trees before a nest can be established. Residents can also purchase items to help discourage nesting, such as air horns, bright streamers to hang in trees, water nozzles and "scare eye balloons.” Arlington Animal Services has a variety of helpful tips to help residents discourage these birds from taking up residence in your neighborhood.