From Herndon to Sierra Leone
Floris United Methodist Church leads student service trip.
Emily Lopynski started her Pen Pal relationship with Afiju, a boy of about the same age from the Child Rescue Centre in Bo, Sierra Leone, when she was in the third grade. Lopynski, a Herndon resident, just finished her freshman year at William and Mary College. She and Afiju are still in touch. In fact, their communication over the years has grown. “It was so wonderful when he got access to Facebook,” Lopynski said. “We could really keep up with each other and have a real conversation.” A vast improvement, considering that for most of the time since the two first “met,” their friendship relied on the exchange of letters that sometimes took as long as five months from the writing of one to the reading by the other.
Brief: Technology and the Arts High School Competition
High school students across Fairfax County will have the opportunity to put a creative twist on their computer talents this spring as they take part in the Council for the Arts of Herndon’s ninth annual SAIC Technology and the Arts Competition. The innovative program challenges students in all Fairfax and Arlington County high schools to create works of animation, digital art, digital music and digital photography, blending technology and artistry into one cutting-edge masterpiece.
‘Day Prom’ Celebrated
On Thursday, May 9, Herndon High School hosted a very special prom at the Waterford at Fair Oaks in Fairfax. Called the “Day Prom” the event is held for students with special needs that might not be able to attend their general education prom.
Editorial: Some Limits, More Disclosure
Virginia does not benefit from elected officials being awash in cash donations and gifts.
Virginia got a failing grade for vulnerability to corruption. Corruption in the commonwealth is probably not any more rampant than voter fraud, as we said last year. But in terms of practices that could undermine trust, Virginia has vast room for improvement.
Natasha Parnian and Andrew Farms Engaged
Natasha Parnian, of Reston, and Andrew Farms, of Chantilly, are engaged and plan to wed Saturday, June 15.
Week in Herndon
The 129th edition of Cole Bros. Circus of the Stars is coming to Dulles Town Center. The classic, American-style circus, complete with elephants, tigers, aerialists and acrobats, mystifying magic and hilarious clowns, will appear for performances on Friday, May 10, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, May 11, 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, May 12, at 1:30, 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Farmers Markets Open In Herndon
Thursdays are Herndon Fun Days from July 11 to Aug. 29.
Thursday, May 2, marked the opening of two farmers markets in Herndon, one in the Town of Herndon, and the other at Frying Pan Farm Park. Fairfax County has been a strong supporter of local farmers markets. As stated on their webpage, products sold at farmers markets are produced by vendors within 125 miles of Fairfax County.
Friday Night Live in Herndon
Gonzo's Nose opens new concert season on the Town Green.
Friday, May 3, marked the first Friday Night Live concert of the season for the Town of Herndon. This popular concert series began with a performance by the band Gonzo’s Nose, a Virginia-based band that has been performing since 1996. This year is the 19th season of Friday Night Live. Like all previous shows, this performance was held on the Town Green between the Herndon Fortnightly Library and the Herndon Municipal Center. The annual series brings many cover bands to Herndon to perform with no tickets or reservations required.
Oak Hill Students “Plant It” With Dominion
On Arbor Day, April 26, the third-graders at Oak Hill Elementary School had a chance to get their hands dirty and plant some trees. It was all part of Dominion Virginia Power’s environmental program Project Plant It!, a fun and educational way to help the children learn about trees and the environment.
Classified Advertising May 8, 2013
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Absentee Voting Starts Now for Democratic Primaries
Primaries held for lieutenant governor and attorney general.
The State Board of Elections reported Monday, May 6, that absentee voting began for the June 11, 2013 primary and all localities met the required 45-day deadline for mailing absentee ballots to voters.
Helping Those Who ‘Can’t Catch a Break’
Community support for Northern Virginia Family Services grows during tough economic times.
“Most of us here lead privileged lives. You can and should make a difference in Northern Virginia.” —Earle Williams
Women Mean Business
In the two months since the much-hyped and dreaded sequester took effect, the daily economic forecast has been almost as painful as the slow grinding of bureaucratic wheels. But here’s some good economic news, especially for aspiring female entrepreneurs: the numbers are in your favor.
Governor McDonnell Endorses Springfield Site for FBI Headquarters
In letter to FBI director, McDonnell says Fairfax County site will advance “national security mission.”
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell has publicly endorsed the Springfield warehouse site for the new FBI building headquarters. In an April 30 letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller and Dan Tangherlini, the acting administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration, McDonnell said the federally owned warehouse is the best choice for a number of reasons.
Reston Nature House Hosts Spring Festival
Event features live animals, nature demonstrations.
Darren Chambers, 7, of Reston says he’s scared of spiders, silverfish and ants, but there’s one thing he’s not scared of: snakes. He had a chance to look at snakes up close and personal Saturday, May 4, at the Walker Nature Education Center during their Spring Festival.
Reston Farmers Market Opens Season
Weekly market open for business at Lake Anne.
The Reston Farmers Market opened its 2013 season Saturday morning, May 4, at Lake Anne Plaza. The market returns stronger than ever this year, with new additions including the county’s first seafood vendor at a farmers market.
Town Holds Big Truck Days
Children invited to explore equipment at Public Works Maintenance Complex.
The Town of Herndon opened up its Public Works Maintenance Complex and its large vehicles May 2 and 3 for the annual Big Truck Days. The event gave families and children a chance to explore some of the town’s heavy maintenance equipment.
Town Passes FY2014 Budget
Budget up 7.3 percent form last year, calls for no tax increases.
The Herndon Town Council passed the budget for Fiscal Year 2014, which will take effect on July 1 of this year. The $49,603,300 budget reflects an increase of 7.3 percent of the FY2013 budget.
Classified Advertising May 1, 2013
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Five Northern Region Athletes Compete at Capital Classic
Wakefield senior Moore leads Northern Region scorers with 12 points.
The District All-Stars defeated the Suburban All-Stars; the United States All-Stars beat the Capital All-Stars.