Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc. Holds Fish Fling
Event honors volunteers who contribute to FISH’s efforts.
Herndon-Reston FISH, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families meet emergencies and short-term needs, held its 9th Annual Fish Fling Gala at the Crowne Plaza Dulles Airport Hotel on Saturday, April 26, from 6 to 11 p.m. The gala was FISH’s largest fundraising event to acquire the financial support for its Family Assistance Program. In 2013 FISH worked with over 1,300 area families.
Herndon Holds Taste of The Town
Town fundraising event showcases local restaurants.
Herndon’s annual Taste of the Town event was celebrated April 24 at the Herndon Worldgate Center. The annual event has been known as a showcase for destination dining, but was not held in 2013. “I am thrilled that this event is back, it is a great opportunity to try food from around the town,” said Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel. “I am extremely happy with the turnout, it was missed when it was not held last year,” said Herndon resident Linda Downer. “It is good to have Taste of the Town back again,” said Jimmy Cirrito, owner of Jimmy’s Old Town Tavern. Cirrito along with other local restaurant owners had food samples ready for guests attending the ticketed event. There were 19 food vendors participating in the event including JJ Deli, Matsutake Japanese Restaurant, Vocelli’s Pizza, The Chocolate Chick, Pizzanese, Chantel’s Cakes and Pastries, and others. Several sponsors helped with the event including MEDA, Herndon Florist, Rappaport Companies, XOXO Photos, and Meadows Farms Nurseries.
Mind Heart Vision Exhibit Opens at ArtSpace
Senior students display work at community art gallery.
Every spring art teachers at Herndon High School invite senior artists to participate in a juried art show at ArtSpace Herndon, the community art gallery created and supported by art lovers in the greater Herndon area. The exhibit includes paintings, photographs, drawings, and sculpture. “The show is a chance for our art students to show their talents, and they are talented,” said Herndon High art teacher Alexa Mamatas, a 2008 graduate of Herndon High. Students show paintings, photographs, drawings, and digital art. This show was juried by professional local artist and teacher Melanie Stanley, Jeanette Burkle Galie of Galie photography, and Richard Suib of Richard Suib Images. “I think it is a great opportunity for other people to see our art,” said Herndon senior Saif Siraj, who has a computer-generated image on display in the exhibit. “The picture took about a week to make,” said Siraj.
ArtSpace Herndon Hosts Americas Ensemble Concert
Audience learns about rhythm and musicians’ life journeys.
“This is a perfect example of how the arts in Herndon has both an educational and entertaining mission to bridge cultures in our local community,” said Scott Mayhugh. Mayhugh was attending the Saturday evening music performance hosted at ArtSpace Herndon featuring artists of a group named Americas Ensemble.
Floris Sixth Graders Present ‘Annie’
Students further their theatre experience in April musical.
Annie, Jr. is the fourth in a series of musicals presented by the sixth grade classes at Floris Elementary. In a tradition started four years ago, the sixth grade students produce a “junior” length Broadway musical facilitated by their classroom teachers, music teachers, and other teachers and specialists. Students designed and created props and set pieces, ran the spotlights, and managed the backstage areas. “I have always been interested in technology,” said sixth grade student Sanjana Meduri, who assisted with the production’s sound tech.
ArtSpace Herndon Hosts Americas Ensemble Concert
Audience learns about rhythm and musicians’ life journeys.
“This is a perfect example of how the arts in Herndon has both an educational and entertaining mission to bridge cultures in our local community,” said Scott Mayhugh. Mayhugh was attending the Saturday evening music performance hosted at ArtSpace Herndon featuring artists of a group named Americas Ensemble.
Herndon Community Center Celebrates 35 Years
Celebration held at Herndon community center .
“It is the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department and the Herndon Community Center staff’s honor to provide engaging, healthy and recreational programs and events,” said Abby Kimble, marketing specialist for the Herndon Parks and Recreation Department. On Tuesday, March 26, the Herndon Community Center celebrated its 35th anniversary. Throughout the day visitors enjoyed free admission to the Herndon community center and there were demonstrations and activities for all ages.
Workshops Held For Herndon Metrorail
Meetings held to gain input on pedestrian and bike facility improvements.
With the incoming Metrorail Silver Line, Fairfax County has begun seeking public input on bike and pedestrian access to Herndon's Silver Line Metro station. The first of two workshops was held at Herndon Middle School at Locust Street on March 26. The meeting was open to the public.
Herndon Middle to Present ‘13!’
Students rehearse for spring musical.
“The show is a lot of fun, it pokes fun at how difficult it is to go through middle school,” said Bryan Case. Case is a music teacher at Herndon Middle, and is music director for the upcoming spring musical “13!” which will be preformed at the school’s auditorium on Locust Street. Written by Jason Robert Brown, the musical premiered in 2007. The story follows young Evan Goldman as he grapples with his parents' divorce, prepares for his impending Bar Mitzvah, and navigates the social circles of a new school. “The show was cast in January and they have been rehearsing tirelessly since then,” said Carin Procopio, president of the Herndon Middle School Theatre Boosters group.
Herndon High Presents Fashion Show
Show held in honor of teacher Julie Pickering.
On March 27, Herndon High School held its annual fashion show at the school auditorium. The fashion show was titled “Celebrate” and had scenes of holidays throughout the year. The show was put together with Herndon High Marketing Department chair David Petruzzi, Maggie Russell and many volunteers and models.
Vandalism Hits Downtown Herndon
Structures damaged in downtown Herndon.
On April 1 police from the town of Herndon were visiting locations in downtown Herndon which had been vandalized. The glass back door to the Herndon Fortnightly Library was shattered, and windows to the Herndon council chamber building were further destroyed. On Friday night, Jan. 17, large windows around the outside of the Herndon Town Council Chamber building had been smashed. Also vandalized was the historic Herndon Depot Station and the glass windows of the Herndon caboose, a local landmark.
Groundbreaking Held For Vinehaven Homes
Evergreene Homes to construct houses in downtown Herndon.
“This is the first new development in downtown Herndon in nearly a decade,” said Mayor Lisa Merkel. Merkel participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Vinehaven homes development held March 19. This development is near the W&OD Trail and is located on Vine Street, close to the ArtSpace Herndon, the local community art gallery.
Harris Corp. Opens New Herndon Facility
Harris consolidates seven offices into one Herndon location.
In July 2013, Harris Corporation signed an 11-year lease to consolidate several of its divisions into the 161,000-square-foot Arboretum II office building at 2235 Monroe St. in Herndon. Offices from Chantilly, Dulles, Falls Church, Fairfax and Reston were relocated to the 161,000-square-foot Arboretum II office building.
Plan For Herndon Parkway and Sterling Road Intersection Approved
Council members hope plan will relieve congestion and improve safety.
Recently the Herndon Town Council and Mayor Lisa Merkel have been addressing several infrastructure issues, amongst them the overcrowding of students at Herndon Elementary Schools. With developments of Silver Line and soon completion of phase 1 for the Silver Line, the Town Council has been brought to address the traffic flow situations at the Herndon Parkway and Sterling Road intersection.
Trout Fishing Derby Held In Herndon
Families fish at Sugarland Run Trail.
Beginning Saturday at 7 a.m. at Sugarland Run Trail in Herndon, parents and children arrived to participate in the annual fishing derby. The Town of Herndon’s Parks and Recreation Department coordinated the event. Other volunteer groups assisting at the event included members from the Town of Herndon Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 64 and Trout Unlimited. “This is our fifth time participating in this event,” said George Paine, a resident of Reston and secretary of the Northern Virginia Chapter of Trout Unlimited (NVATU). Members of NVATU helped families clean and prepare the fish after they had been caught. NVATU is a diverse group of residents from the Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County, and Prince William County, who enjoy fishing and associated activities to enhance fishing opportunities. The chapter holds regular meetings the first Thursday evening of every month at the Vienna Firehouse, in Vienna.
Mosaic Harmony Sings at Herndon Senior Center
Community choir performs inspirational music.
"Feel free to please sing along with us," said David K. North, director of Mosaic Harmony Community Choir since 1996. North drove to the Herndon Senior Center from Maryland to direct the Feb. 28 concert performance. Twenty-five members of Mosaic Harmony performed in the show, which was also attended by Herndon town council member Sheila Olem. The concert was sponsored by the Council for the Arts of Herndon.
Herndon ES Celebrates International Night
School and PTA host event to celebrate culture.
“This is an annual event held in partnership with the PTA,” said Herndon Elementary Principal Ann Gwyn. “It is all about celebrating the many cultures here in Herndon Elementary.” The International Night event was held Feb. 20. Foreign foods dishes were brought in and were available to sample. “We start planning this event in November, it is a very popular event,” said school PTA president Amanda Geary.
Tasting Soul Food
ArtSpace Herndon hosts event on African American cuisine.
“It is our distinct pleasure today to host a Black History Month event,” said Lawrence Verbiest, executive director of ArtSpace Herndon introducing the coordinator for the event, Elise Abby Arrington. For four years now Arrington has helped arrange an event to commemorate Black History month. Last year, Arrington helped coordinate a reading of the Emancipation Proclamation with other local high school students at ArtSpace Herndon.
Herndon High Prepares For StompFest
Year marks Step Team’s 20th year at school.
High school step teams from around the area will be arriving at Herndon High on Saturday, Feb. 22 for the annual StompFest. "This will be the biggest event we have ever had," said team captain Hannah Vaughn. The Herndon High step team was founded in 1994, and StompFest has been an annual event for sixteen years.
Herndon High To Produce ‘Robin Hood’
Children’s show also fundraiser for HHS Drama Boosters.
"No cast member goes on stage while tech crew is doing operations," said Catherine "Cassie" Szymczyk.
Teacher Vs. Student Basketball Game
Teachers win competitive game against students at Herndon Middle.
On Feb. 6, a team of seventh and eighth grade students from Herndon Middle School competed in a basketball match against school teachers. "We had a lot of students attend this year’s event," said after-school specialist Mike Thomas who was also helping as game announcer.
Heaven and Earth Akido Hosts Fundraiser
Funds raised for family of departed Herndon waiter.
"Damien was one of the first folks who I spoke with when I came back to the area after being overseas over three years," said Ben Ericksen. "We stuck up a pleasant conversation, and I told him I was back from Afghanistan. I would take some of the students up to the O’Sullivan’s restaurant."
Herndon High Hosts Improvathon
Students practice and learn improv at fundraising event.
“I got a whistle, and we have some penalties,” said Scott D. Pafumi. Pafumi, was laying out rules for the Improvathon event at Herndon High auditorium. The Theatre Director at Herndon Middle School, Pafumi had been asked to referee this year’s Improvathon. Ten teams made of students from across Fairfax County went to Herndon High on Saturday, Feb. 8 for six games related to improvisational or improv theatre. Judging the events were Town of Herndon Mayor Lisa Merkel, Town councilmember Melissa Jonas, and Herndon High Assistant Principal Maria Sneed. Evan Hoffman, director of the NextStop Theatre Company was the master of ceremonies. Participating with the Herndon High team was Herndon senior Hunter Robinson.
Strings Concert Held at Dranesville Elementary School
The fourth and fifth grade students perform for family and friends.
”It was a great evening for the kids,” said Seth Lovern. His daughter, Alexis, a fourth grade student at Dranesville Elementary School had just completed an evening string concert at the school cafeteria. “Her mom plays the violin, so she [Alexis] wanted to play the viola to be different.”
‘Broadway Magic’ To Be Shown at Herndon High
A “crazy colorful, an explosion of fun” show.
“When you guys land, land on the balls of your feet, don’t land with your feet flat. Then pivot on right foot, but sing the melody,” Dana Van Slyke said. Herndon High School’s Choral Director Van Slyke was speaking to students in the school auditorium practicing choreography for a song from the musical “South Pacific.” The cast and crew conducted a weekend recital to prepare for the annual cabaret show. “The cabaret show is about an hour and a half production of songs from classical musicals all the way to contemporary shows,” Van Slyke said.
Certificates of Congratulations Given at Council Session
Pride of Herndon Marching Band and John Mosesso recognized.
“We have several presentations this evening and we are very excited about all of them because this is the stuff that makes living in Herndon the great place that it is,” said Mayor Lisa Merkel. Merkel was speaking at the Jan. 14 Herndon Town Council Public Session, and she invited town councilmember Melissa Jonas to read the official Certificate of Congratulations for the Herndon High School's “Pride of Herndon” Marching Band.
And the Winners Are …
Trang Nguyen wins spelling bee competition at Herndon Middle School.
“Once you spell the word, there is no going back,” said Nancy Galm, English teacher at the Herndon Middle School on Locust Street. Galm was addressing a group of more than 20 students attending Herndon Middle School who had won or placed their way into the annual spelling bee competition. The competition was held on Jan. 8.
Herndon High Students Broadcast ‘Herndon Live’
Students begin TV program with Herndon Community Television.
In January on Friday at 5 p.m. Herndon’s non-profit, cable access PEG station Herndon Community Television (HCTV) presented the first episode of “Herndon Live” a new program showcasing events, reviews, interviews and news. Assisting the production of the first episode were Herndon residents Nancy Rose, Blake Rose, and their son, Brian Rose. “I started volunteering and using the equipment at HCTV when I was about 9 or 10,” said Brian Rose. “I am there to give the Herndon Live group what they need to do their show whether it be advice or teaching them equipment... I am there to make sure things go smoothly.”
Winter Concerts Wow Audiences At Herndon High
Herndon students display their musical skills.
In December, students in the Herndon High choir and band were very active. Members of the Herndon High School Band "Pride of Herndon" went to Hawaii to represent Virginia in the 2013 Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade. The Pride of Herndon was awarded Grand Champion honors for their performance. The Herndon High School Choir Department has also been busy with choral groups putting on performances for the holiday season. This included an evening show on Dec. 7 at Herndon Town Square by The Herndon High School Madrigals and Herndon Brass Quintet.
New Year Celebrated At ArtSpace Herndon
Families and friends enjoy annual New Year’s gala.
“The ArtSpace is always packed for this event, everything from the children’s program to the jazz concert,” said Al Robertson, a Herndon resident and musician who preformed at the ArtSpace Herndon New Year’s Eve gala. “I thank the Town of Herndon and the Herndon Board of Directors and committees at ArtSpace for an outstanding community program.” Hundreds of visitors from around the
Herndon Lights Christmas Tree
Families gather at event hosted by Town of Herndon and Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Despite cold weather, scores of people showed up to hear the singing of Christmas carols at the Town Square in downtown Herndon. Eileen Curtis, president of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, greeted everyone on Saturday evening, Dec. 7.
Herndon Community Center Holds Annual Arts and Crafts Show
Local artists and entrepreneurs arrive for Sunday show despite snow.
More than 50 local artists came to the Herndon Community Center located at 814 Ferndale Avenue for the 35th Annual Arts and Crafts Show. Kevin L. Mitchell, resident of Fredricksburg arrived with a display of handcrafted wire sculpture figures. "Over the years I discovered my artistic voice, and I started bringing my works to comic conventions this year," said Mitchell. He has a variety of designs in his catalog from sports figures to science fiction themed figures.
‘Seussical’ Musical To Show At Herndon High
Since September, students of Herndon High School have been practicing and perfecting their presentation of “Seussical,” a musical by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty based on the books of Dr. Seuss that debuted on Broadway in 2000. “This is the debut production of ‘Seussical’ at Herndon High School,” Zoë Dillard, Herndon High School Theatre Director said.
Potters Return to Colvin Run Mill
Local potters returned to Colvin Run Mill the first weekend of November for their holiday sale. Many of the potters are juried members of the Torpedo Factory Art Center's Scope Gallery located in Alexandria.
Artists of Montorno Opens at ArtSpace Herndon
ArtSpace Herndon will be opening a brand new exhibit this week titled "Artists of Montorno." Beginning Tuesday, Nov. 5 the exhibit will provide a glimpse into the Montorno Studio in Seravezza, Italy.
Frying Pan Farm Park Hosts Farm Harvest Days
The evening Halloween wagon rides on Oct. 26-27 and Nov. 2-3.
Fall brought busy days to Herndon’s Frying Pan Park in October. Carnival rides through Cole Amusement Company, Inc. were at the park from Oct. 17 to Oct. 20. “It is through patrons support of our carnival that allowed us to have free activities on the weekend,” said Yvonne Johnson, park manager. “It is great to be able to offer so many free activities to our visitors.”
Portrait Exhibit Opens at ArtSpace Herndon
Arts Council holds weeklong art celebration.
Art related activity in downtown Herndon is on a high as the Council for the Arts of Herndon has set up special activities and events to celebrate local artists and artwork. Events are being held at ArtSpace Herndon on 750 Center Street as well as local restaurants to highlight the opportunities to enjoy art in the town.
Herndon Hosts Fall Carnival
The first ever Herndon Fall Carnival was hosted at the Station Street parking lot in downtown Herndon Thursday, Sept. 26 to Saturday, Sept. 29. This location is adjacent to the ArtSpace Herndon at 750 Center Street and the Town Green. The Herndon Rotary Club partnered with the Town of Herndon and carnival company Jolly Shows to host this event.
Celebrating Arts in Herndon
ArtSpace Herndon hosts 5th annual Paint Herndon.
“Over 325 people attended the ArtSpace Herndon annual Paint Herndon,” said Robin Carroll. A former director of ArtSpace Herndon, Carroll helped organize this year’s Paint Herndon event, an annual birthday of the ArtSpace Herndon. Held this year on Saturday, Sept. 21, all scheduled activities went on as planned as rain held off until the reception and award ceremony. The cornerstone of the event is the painting competition, which is designed in the spirit of a “day painting” competition and challenges artists to create works of art in a short period of time. “The art was amazing,” said Emmanuelle Marie Carnogursky. A resident of Herndon, Carnogursky also participated in the painting competition, submitting three finished oil paintings. “I have been painting with oil since the age of 14 … I got right to painting as soon as I had my canvas stamped, it was a lot of fun.” Two other big activities at the ArtSpace Herndon event were the VW “Doodle Bug” and the animals available for adoption from Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation. The Doodle Bug, a Volkswagen Beetle wrapped in white vinyl to enable a dry-erase canvas, was on display at ArtSpace Herndon for guests to demonstrate their artistic talent on the car. Volkswagen of America has an office in Herndon, and staff from their office drove the vehicle to ArtSpace Herndon.
ArtSpace Herndon Hosts Cinema and Brew Series
Gallery also opens a new art exhibit, “Menagerie.”
On Friday, Sept. 6 ArtSpace Herndon hosted its first Art House Cinema and Brew. The movie selected to kick off the new series was the cinema classic “Metropolis.” Directed by Fritz Lang, Metropolis was the first feature length movie of the science fiction movies genre. Giorgio Moroder, a music producer, released a version with a soundtrack by rock artists such as Freddie Mercury and Adam Ant in 1984. Ann Rust, wife of Delegate Tom Rust, and a board member for the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts, welcomed everyone to the event.
Amazon Comes to Herndon
Amazon Web Services hosts opening of Herndon Public Sector Headquarters.
Amazon Web Services held a grand opening at their public sector headquarters on Worldgate Drive in Herndon on Monday, Aug. 26. Local dignitaries and guest speakers attended the event. The opening of Amazon Web Services at the Town of Herndon location brings an economic boost to the area and strengthens this region’s status as the Silicon Valley of the East.
Herndon Celebrates National Night Out
Fourteen neighborhoods in Herndon participate in celebrations and block parties.
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, the Herndon Police Department and the community participated in the celebration of "America's Night Out Against Crime."
Duy Lam Exhibits at ArtSpace Herndon
Exhibit continues until Sept. 1.
On Saturday, Aug. 10 ArtSpace Herndon hosted a reception for artist Duy Lam’s exhibit, “Union of Color and Form.” This exhibit opened to the public on Aug. 6 and will continue to be on display until Sept. 1.
Champions Parade at Frying Pan
Frying Pan Farm Park hosts 65th annual 4-H Fair.
From Aug. 1-4, Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon held its 65th annual Fairfax County 4-H Fair and Carnival.
Miniature Horses Parade at Frying Pan
Miniature Horse Club Show held at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon.
From Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21 the Old Dominion Miniature Horse Club met at Frying Pan Farm Park’s equestrian center in Herndon for their Summer Sizzle club show.
Summer Fun Camps Continue in Herndon
The Summer Fun Camps are held outdoors at Bready Park and indoors at the Herndon Community Center.
At the end of June, the Herndon Summer Fun Camps began operations at Herndon Community Center, with Harriet Van De Riet and a team of trained counselors directing. “All of our counselors have enrolled in college,” said Van De Riet.
Herndon High to Present ‘Bye Bye Birdie’
Performances set for July 26, 27 and 28.
The Grand Musical Theatre Experience returns to Herndon High School in July this year with a production of the musical “Bye Bye Birdie.” Last year, the production was of the musical “Oliver Twist,” which was a tremendous success.
Viewpoints
"This is where the dreams begin."
Josh Davis, who won three gold medals at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta and two silver medals at the Olympics in Sydney in 2000, said about the Herndon event: “This is where dreams begin and champions are made as they take pride representing their neighborhood and their city. … Of the 4,000 summer league swim championships going on this month, this is one of the best ones in the country.”
Town Calendar Exhibit Opens at ArtSpace Herndon
ArtSpace Herndon has opened the annual Town of Herndon Calendar Exhibit, featuring finalists from the 2014 Town of Herndon Calendar Competition. “It is a good show, the quality of these photos is great,” said ArtSpace Director Dale McGrath.
Jimmy’s Tavern in Herndon to Expand
On June 14, Jimmy’s Tavern in downtown Herndon had the lease renewed for 10 more years during the intermission at the Herndon Friday Night Live event.