Herndon Hosts HernDOG Bark Bash
Inaugural dog event held at Bready Park.
Herndon Parks and Recreation hosted their inaugural dog event at Bready Park on Sunday, Oct. 5. “I always thought Herndon should have a dog event,” said Dave Zakrzewski, a town of Herndon employee who helped coordinate the day’s activities.
Herndon Senior Center Hosts Antique Show
Antiques and collectibles appraised at October event at Herndon Senior Center.
The Herndon Senior Center, located at 873 Grace St., held a Jewelry and Antique Road Show on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The event was free and open to the public.
Herndon NatureFest Held At Runnymede Park
Families learn about local wildlife and nature.
The Friends of Runnymede Park and the Town of Herndon Parks and Recreation Department hosted the annual NatureFest on Sunday, Sept. 28 at Runnymede Park. Nearly 700 local residents and neighbors enjoyed learning about birds, bees and butterflies, recycling and native plants, and life in a meadow or stream.
Herndon High Hosts Showcase Of Bands
Twenty-eight schools attend high school marching competition.
On Sept. 27, Herndon High hosted the Northern Virginia Regional Showcase of Bands, an opportunity for 28 local high school marching bands to display their skills and abilities. The showcase featured high school marching bands from throughout the region, presenting their field shows, in which the bands march and make formations on the field while playing music.
Dulles International Airport Holds Plane Pull
Seventy teams participate in fundraising event for Special Olympics Virginia.
On Saturday, Sept. 20, Dulles Airport held its annual plane pull. The Dulles Day plane pull, which began in 1993, featured 70 teams of 25 people competing to pull an 82-ton 757 FedEx Cargo Jet 12 feet in the shortest amount of time. Now in its 22nd year, Dulles Day is a festival that includes live music, airplane displays, tours of the runways, kids play areas, a dunk tank and more.
Herndon’s H.K. Lee Recognized
Martial arts instructor receives award at ceremony.
Herndon’s H.K. Lee Academy of TaeKwonDo Grandmaster H. K. Lee received a special Presidential Commendation from the President of the Republic of Korea, Geun-Hye Park. Grandmaster Lee was the first distinguished recipient to receive the Korean President’s Commendation at the opening ceremony of The World TaeKwonDo Won in Muju, Republic of Korea on International TaeKwonDo Day, Sept. 4.
Herndon Celebrates Lighting Of W&OD Trail
Herndon is first municipality to light a section of the W&OD trail.
Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel and the Herndon town council celebrated the completion of installation of lights along the W&OD trail with a ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The ceremony was held on the W&OD Trail near the intersection with Lynn Street in downtown Herndon, near the caboose.
Dranesville Elementary Holds Back to School Night
Parents and teachers reconnect at school event.
Herndon Dranesville Elementary hosted its annual Back to School Night on Monday, Sept. 15 for parents to meet the teachers and individuals who support their children. The event was for parents and guardians only so families could understand the aspects of their child’s education.
Senator Warner Visits Downtown Herndon
Herndon business owners speak with Senator Mark Warner.
United States Senator Mark Warner made a visit to downtown Herndon on Friday, Sept. 12. The purpose of the visit was to connect and chat with some local business owners and staff.
‘Parked Outside the Door’ Opens at ArtSpace Herndon
Photo exhibit examines relationships with vehicles and buildings.
Photographer John Petro’s exhibit “Parked Outside the Door” has opened at art gallery ArtSpace Herndon. In the exhibit, Petro explores two fundamental constructs of ingenuity, vehicles and buildings. While traveling America, Petro captured scenes of mobility and permanence.
Herndon Elementary Holds Open House
Parents, teachers and students meet before school begins.
Herndon Elementary School (HES) held an open house on Aug. 29 as an opportunity for teachers, parents and students to meet and connect. Fairfax County Public Schools opened Sept. 2, so students could visit their classrooms and get oriented.
Exhibit Of Konko Opens at ArtSpace Herndon
ArtSpace Herndon shares story of a Ghana village and a literacy program.
ArtSpace Herndon brings the story of the village of Konko with an exhibit that opens Aug. 26.
JamBrew Indie Concerts Return to Herndon
While Herndon Friday Night Live concludes music does not yet stop.
Friday Night Live, the Herndon outdoor concert series concluded on Aug. 22 with performances by bands Almost Journey and The Fuzz. “We have had a great year so far for Friday Night Live,” said founder Doug Downer.
Lifelong Herndon Resident Honored for Community Service
Delegate Tom Rust presents resolution recognizing Elma Mankin.
“I was born here 90 years ago, I have been here all my life although I have traveled extensively,” said Elma M. Mankin. “When I was growing up Herndon was a small town.
Backpacks Donated At Herndon Hutchison Elementary
Community reaches out to families of young students.
Thousands of students in the Virginia and D.C. Metro area will be returning to schools this fall. In Fairfax County, public schools open Sept. 2.
Herndon Planning Committee Holds Parking Conference
Committee receives input from Herndon residents.
The Town of Hendon Planning Commission met Aug. 21 to solicit comments on whether parking requirements in the downtown should be reduced or remain as currently required.
Mural Dedication Held in Herndon
Art mural by Keith Naquin on view at Station Street in Herndon.
Associates and friends of the Council for the Arts of Herndon (CAH) assembled to celebrate the dedication of a mural at the Dominion Animal Hospital at 795 Station Street in Herndon. The mural, painted by former Herndon High School art teacher Keith Naquin, is a 95-foot long piece of art, and was commissioned by the CAH. Almost 100 persons attended the outdoor dedication ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 17.
National Night Out Held In Herndon
Neighborhoods In Town of Herndon get acquainted with police force.
Neighborhood block parties were held throughout the town of Herndon on Aug. 5 in celebration of National Night Out. In 1984, National Night Out started as a way to promote crime prevention through neighborhood camaraderie.
Great Turnout For Herndon’s Tavern Golf Tournament
Golf event raises money for The Council for the Arts of Herndon.
"This year's tourney was easily one of the best ever,” said Jimmy Cirrito, owner of Jimmy's Old Town Tavern.
Governor Proclaims Teen Cancer Awareness Week
Cancer support group witnesses signing of proclamation in Herndon.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe in the company of cancer survivors and friends signed a proclamation in the town of Herndon proclaiming the third week of January as Teen Cancer Awareness week in Virginia.
Summer Camp, Cabaret at NextStop Theatre
NextStop Theatre’s first summer of theatre classes.
Opening on Aug. 28 at NextStop’s Industrial Strength Theatre will be “Gidion’s Knot” by Johnna Adams.
Tysons Welcomes Metrorail
Arrival of Silver Line to Tysons set to encourage residential development.
Five Silver Line Metro stations located in Reston and Tysons Corner opened to the public on Saturday, July 26.
Temporary Fire Station To Be Constructed In Herndon
New fire station expected to be complete by spring of 2016.
The original station was built in 1950 and according to fire officials cannot accommodate newer, larger-sized vehicles such as ladder trucks.
Lights Go Up Along W&OD Trial
Construction projects underway in downtown Herndon.
In downtown Herndon construction has been occurring at several locations including the Vinehaven townhouse project on Vine Street.
Wiehle-Reston East Opens for Metro Riders
Fairfax County holds open house at Reston garage.
Fairfax County held an open house at the Wiehle-Reston East Garage on July 19 to show potential Metro riders access and parking options.
Herndon High Presents ‘Hello Dolly!’
Musical performances set for Aug. 1, 2 and 3.
The first week of August the Grand Musical Theatre Experience returns to Herndon High School with a production of the musical “Hello Dolly!”
Libraries Promote Summer Reading
Fairfax County program encourages students to read.
Every summer, the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) offers a summer reading program for children ages preschool-12th grade.
Fairfax County Prepares Bus System For Silver Line
Bus changes help ensure Silver Line success.
Among the changes are elimination of old bus routes and the closure of the Sunset Hills Interim parking in Reston near the intersection of Sunset Hills Road and Town Center Parkway.
Herndon Enjoys Summer in Spotlight
Downtown Herndon remains active despite summer heat.
On July 9 and July 10, reporters from channel NBC4 visited downtown Herndon to share some of the special qualities of the town.
Herndon Town Calendar Photos On Display
Photos of Herndon on display at ArtSpace Herndon.
ArtSpace Herndon has opened the annual Town of Herndon Calendar Exhibit, featuring finalists from the 2014 Town of Herndon Calendar Competition.
Potter’s Fire Awards Trophies For Holiday Challenge
Businesses show community spirit in downtown Herndon.
The Potter’s Fire Throwdown is a contest developed to challenge other businesses in Herndon to decorate their storefronts for the patriotic holidays from May 10 to the 4th of July.
New Playground Opens At Herndon Community Center
Children’s playground now open at Bready Park.
“This playground packs as much as possible into the space, and incorporated most of the suggestions we gathered from the community and the school kids,” stated Cynthia Hoftiezer, Project Coordinator for the Town of Herndon.
Town Of Herndon Holds Swearing In Ceremony
Mayor Merkel and 2014-2016 Town Council sworn in to office.
More than 200 persons attended the event, including U.S. Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11), Del. Mark Keam (D-35), Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ Chairman Sharon Bulova, former Board of Supervisors Chairman Kate Hanley, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust, and former Herndon Mayors Carol Bruce, Mike O’Reilly, and Steve DeBenedittis.
Eagle Scout Project Collects Electronic Hardware
Community and friends hold successful electronic recycling event.
Approximately 20,540 pounds of electronics were collected for recycling at an electronics recycling drive held June 21 at Trinity Presbyterian Church, in Herndon.
Bicyclists, Pedestrians Shape Phase 2 Planning
Results of Herndon Metrorail Stations Study announced.
On June 18, a final public workshop was held at McNair Elementary School in Herndon to provide the results and final recommendations of the Herndon Metrorail Stations Access Management Study (HMSAMS) effort.
Hamlet at Herndon High
Herndon High Drama presents season finale on June 13-14.
As the school year is wrapping up, students in Herndon High drama prepare for the final production of the school year, Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Burnt Offerings Exhibit On Display At ArtSpace Herndon
Paintings by Reston artist Morgan J. Norwood on display until June 29.
In June, visitors to the community art gallery ArtSpace Herndon will see an array of paintings making an artistic ring of fire in the main gallery.
Herndon High Holds Pops Concert
Herndon students display their music skills.
Herndon High School choir presented great music in their final major performance of year in the school Pops Concert.
Summer Fun Revisits Herndon
Traditional festivals, concerts and events planned this summer.
Lasting May 29 to June 1, the annual Herndon Festival will be a part of the largest free event in Northern Virginia. This award-winning event takes place in historic downtown Herndon at 777 Lynn Street.
Herndon Honors the Fallen
Annual memorial day event held at Chestnut Grove Cemetery.
Residents of Herndon and local dignitaries gathered at Chestnut Grove Cemetery Monday, May 26, to commemorate Memorial Day.
Herndon High Presents Spring Concert
Students display year’s worth of progress.
On May 20 at Herndon High auditorium, the Herndon High school (HHS) band presented their final major band production for the school year.
Biking to Work Despite Rain
Bike To Work Day highlights alternative travel in Fairfax County.
On Friday morning rainy weather hit Northern Virginia, yet volunteers at 14 bike stations throughout Fairfax County still assisted bicyclists for the annual Bike To Work Day. Coordinated by Commuter Connections and Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA), the Bike to Work Day event attracts participants from around the Washington metropolitan region. This year’s theme was “Get your workout before you get your work in.”
Protecting Children from Trafficking
Speakers at Herndon High event discuss human trafficking and answer questions.
On Thursday, May 15, representatives and staff throughout the Herndon school pyramid went to Herndon High auditorium for an evening presentation on Teen Sex Trafficking. The purpose of the event was to help parents understand the risks their children face, and how to help keep them safe. “This is the first time we are doing this presentation in Herndon,” said Heather Coleman, a social worker with Fairfax County Public Schools. Based on the success of this event, the Herndon schools are considering making this an annual event.
Potter’s Fire Issues Holiday Challenge
Fife and Drum Corp highlight fundraising event.
Members of Herndon High School (HHS) Band participated in the American Originals Fife and Drum Corps performance in a kickoff celebration for a fundraiser sponsored by local ceramics business Potter’s Fire on May 10. The Potter’s Fire Throwdown is a contest to challenge other businesses in Herndon to decorate their storefronts for the patriotic holidays from May 10 to the 4th of July. The business with the best decorations will win a trophy designed at Potter’s Fire. Donations for the event will be divided between The Fisher House Foundation and The Pride of Herndon Marching Band. “Every dime will be going back to charity,” said Mike Faul, owner of Potter’s Fire.
Navy Band Performs at Herndon High School
Senior students have opportunity to play with U.S. Navy band.
Herndon High School hosted the United States Navy Band the evening of May 9. The band performing was the U.S. Navy Concert band, based in Washington, D.C. This is the fourth time Herndon High School (HHS) has hosted a performance with the Navy Band. “It is a wonderful opportunity that the Navy Band gives freely of their time and talent to encourage the musical growth of our children,” said Rhonda Reeves-Long, a member of the school band’s boosters group.
Northern Virginia Family Service Holds 16th Annual Gala
Local donors and supporters recognized at event.
The evening of Friday May 9 at Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, the nonprofit Northern Virginia Family Service (NVFS) held their 16th Annual Road to Independence Gala. The festive event gave community and business leaders an opportunity to celebrate the impact of NVFS on families and children in need. It also recognized donors and supporters dedicated to giving back to the community in which they live making NVFS services possible.
Friday Night Live Concerts Return To Herndon
20th year of Friday evening concerts at downtown Herndon.
Friday, May 2, the Town Green was full of families and visitors who came to attend the first Friday Night Live concert in the Town of Herndon. “It was a packed house, everybody is out having a good time,” said Herndon Police Officer Henry “Hank” Ruffin. This popular concert series is held every Friday evening until Aug. 22. The band which begun this season was Love Seed Mama Jump. The concerts begin around 6:30 p.m. and end around 10:30 p.m. The Friday Night Live concert series is free to attend and is almost always held unless rain forces them to cancel.
ArtSpace Herndon Opens Far and Wide
Paintings by Trisha Adams on display until May 25.
In the new ArtSpace Herndon exhibit Far and Wide: Travel as Muse, artist Trisha Adams displays a visual journey. Unique architecture and distinctive trees offer interesting new shapes, and plants, earth, and buildings present color palettes. “We are very excited to display Trisha Adams works at ArtSpace,” said Lawrence Verbiest, executive director of the ArtSpace Herndon. This is Adams’ first solo show at ArtSpace Herndon. A California native, Adams moved to Virginia to work for a local newspaper. In 2001, she began painting and by 2004 was a fulltime painter. She enjoys traveling and landscapes are a favorite subject.
Governor McAuliffe Speaks to Business Leaders
Event at Volkswagen Group of America draws 100 executives.
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority hosted an evening networking session at the headquarters of the Volkswagen Group of America in Herndon on April 30. The program was titled Fairfax County: Where International Companies Do Business in the U.S. A special guest of the event was Governor Terry McAuliffe (D) who spoke about plans of attracting federal projects to Northern Virginia, and hopes regarding Virginia’s education program. “This is something we do every two to three years,” said Gerald L. Gordon, president and CEO of the Fairfax Economic Development Authority (FCEDA). “We now have more than 400 foreign-owned companies from 45 countries in Fairfax County,” said Gordon. “We are fortunate to have five overseas offices,” said Gordon.
Herndon High Drama Produces ‘Blithe Spirit’
Herndon spring play begins May 1.
“It is hilarious how witty and comical this play can be, I am looking forward to performing with my classmates,” said Jessie Jorgensen, a Herndon High sophomore. Jorgensen is performing as the character Ruth in the May spring production of “Blithe Spirit” a play by Noël Coward. Herndon High junior Bonnie Sasseen has the role of Elvira Condomine. “I had read the play before and the character is very fun,” said Sasseen. “She is a very physical character, she is both exciting and amusing to play.” Taking the role of Charles Condomine is Herndon senior Hunter Robinson. “The whole show is a very witty fast paced comedy,” said Robinson.