ArtSpace Hires New Executive Director
Lawrence Verbiest has been named executive director of ArtSpace Herndon. On Jan. 8, the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts’ board of directors voted to offer the position to Verbiest. He accepted the position and began work on Jan. 21.
Groundhog Day Held At Frying Pan Park
Families visit groundhog burrow.
"They are like little lawnmowers, so when it is spring, they eat everything they can," said Frying Pan Park naturalist Shannon Morley. "When it is summer, they eat everything they can. And when it is fall they still eat. But in winter they rest or hibernate." Morely was giving a presentation to families on groundhogs that reside on the park grounds.
Floris United Methodist Church To Host Chocolate Festival
On Saturday, Feb. 8, Floris United Methodist Church will hold its 23rd Annual Chocolate Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. One of the church’s largest community events, the festival features carnival games, large inflatables, face painting, balloon art, food and lots of chocolate. An entertainment and travel-themed Silent Auction and an expansive homemade bake sale table are other highlights of this event. It is free and all are welcome. The church is located at 13600 Frying Pan Road, in Herndon. For more information, go to www.florisumc.org/chocolate or call the church office at 703-793-0026.
Nine Candidates Vying for Attention in 8th Congressional District Democratic Primary
Race to replace Jim Moran is expected to be competitive and expensive.
It's been three weeks since longtime U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced that he would not be seeking a 13th term in Congress, opening up an epic primary fight that is now starting to take shape.
Helping Area Residents Sign Up for Health Insurance
More than 50 volunteers who are helping local residents sign up for health care insurance were recognized by state and local leadership last Saturday. To date, these Certified Application Counselors (CACs) have helped more than 500 individuals with the new Marketplace system, overcoming barriers of language, technology and understanding the new health care law. The volunteers were thanked for the commitment and service:
How to Fix I-66?
More lanes, bus rapid transit, rail, spot improvements proposed.
It’s said that nothing’s certain but death and taxes – but most of the time, traffic congestion on I-66 can be added to that list. So VDOT’s seeking input from the public on how best to alleviate it.
Debate Over School Budget Continues
Later start times, class size among topics at School Board public hearing.
Later start times, class size, and cuts to needs-based staffing were major themes of the testimony given at the Jan. 27 public hearing on Superintendent Karen Garza’s proposed budget.
Board Cites Lack of Funds for School Renovations
Aging schools collide with increasing student enrollments.
While the 2015 to 2019 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) passed at the Fairfax County Public School Board meeting on Thursday, Jan. 3, many board members expressed concerns with the program.
Jim Moran: The $15 Million Congressman
During his years in Congress, Moran raised and spent about $1 million each campaign cycle.
One of the first things that happened after U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) announced he would not be running for reelection this year was that he cancelled a fundraising event.
Music Loft Distributes Donated Instruments For Students
Teachers collect instruments at Music Loft.
On Friday, Jan. 17, school music teachers collected instruments at the Music Loft in Herndon. These musical instruments had been collected by the Council for the Arts of Herndon Play it Forward instrument drive. “We start the Play it Forward Campaign again in April,” said Laura Readyoff, who is on the board of directors for the council and the co-owner of the Music Loft.
Savor the Audacious
NextStop's unexpected take on Shakespeare's "Richard III."
A daring performance of Shakespeare's "Richard III" is coming to Herndon. "This is something that has never been done and an amazing opportunity to bring Shakespeare back to Herndon in a bold new way ... It will be an experience that is not to be missed,” Evan Hoffman said, artistic director of NextStop Theatre's production of "Richard III." "Our work has so often been about pushing the envelope and being just as bold with the classics as we are with newer works," Hoffman said. In this instance, he is describing a production that will feature a deaf actor in the lead role of Richard, one of the Bard's most charming bad boy villains.
ArtSpace Hires New Executive Director
Lawrence Verbiest has been named executive director of ArtSpace Herndon. On Jan. 8, the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts’ board of directors voted to offer the position to Verbiest. He accepted the position and began work on Jan. 21.
Camp Keeps Students Busy During Teacher Workdays
Herndon Community Center will hold a two-day camp on Jan. 30-31 for children ages 6-11.
The Herndon Community Center has an answer for parents wondering how to keep their children busy during the teacher workdays on Jan. 30 and 31. What youngster doesn’t love a day packed with swimming, sports, games and science experiments?
Winter Activities in Herndon to Keep Families Active
Keep all family members busy with variety of events around Herndon during the colder months.
Between snow days and teacher workdays, it’s easy to worry that your family may spend the day indoors with nothing to do. Luckily, the town has a variety of classes and children’s activities to offer at the Herndon Community Center, live music at downtown restaurants, and plays to be seen performed by the town’s own professional acting company. Here are some ideas to get started for winter fun plans:
Wexton Supporters Ensure Victory Despite Weather
Voters brave bad weather in state senate election.
By 12:20 p.m. more than 680 votes had been cast at Herndon Elementary School. “The turnout has been medium, fairly steady” said Robert Walker, chief election officer at the Herndon Elementary School. “One of the touch screens was acting up, so we took it out, it did not have any votes on it.”