Cows with Attitude
Frying Pan Park is a model for Plourde and Reed’s Udder-ly Witty picture book.
"And the cows meant it," the final line of "Only Cows Allowed," was the starting point for author Lynne Plourde. "It just popped into my head one day," she said. "The cows had some attitude."

Herndon Police Youth Academy Graduates Honored
On May 22, the Herndon Town Council recognized the graduating class from the Twelfth Session of the Herndon Police Youth Academy at an official Town Council presentation.

ArtSpace Herndon Announces Art Photography Competition Winners
ArtSpace Herndon and the Herndon Foundation for the Cultural Arts have announced the winners of the 2012 Fine Art Photography Competition.
Montessori Country School Celebrates 40th Anniversary
Montessori Country school in Herndon celebrated their 40th Anniversary at a big family bash on Friday, May 18. Many alumni as well as current families were in attendance.

Longing for Peace and Happiness
Elden Street Players present "Flowers for Algernon."
"I wanted to give audiences a timeless classic play; one that touches on many different issues," said the award-winning Gloria DuGan, director of "Flowers for Algernon," the next Elden Street Players production. "This play deals with important moral and ethical matters, including how life can be both beautiful and painful."

Community Services Budget Under Scrutiny
$8 Million budget hole threatens programs, public review underway.
The Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, which provides social services to thousands of the county’s most vulnerable residents and has come under fire for an $8 million budget shortfall, was given a temporary reprieve by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Greeting New ‘Fellow Americans’
Fairfax County hosts fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
"My fellow Americans," U.S. Rep Gerry Connolly (D-11) said with gravitas, pausing to let the meaning sink in. And when it did, 75 immigrants - from Afghanistan to Uzbekistan - who had just raised their right hand and taken the Oath of Allegiance to become American citizens, erupted with applause and tears, waving American flags and hugging family members. They were gathered at the Fairfax County Government Center Friday, May 25, for the county’s fourth annual naturalization ceremony.
Beautifying Downtown Herndon
Artist Keith Naquin paints mural on NAPA Auto Parts building.
Since April, Keith Naquin has been hard at work on a brick wall. The artist was recently contracted by the Council for the Arts of Herndon to transform the rear of the NAPA Auto Parts building in downtown Herndon into a picturesque glimpse of rural life.

Running, Walking for Charities
Connections for Hope run, walk benefits local charities.
Nearly 46 percent of all Herndon families speak a language other than English at home. Vecinos Unidos is one of the charities trying to fill a need for services in this area.
DATA Recognizes Commitment to Mobility
On Thursday, May 17, the Dulles Area Transportation Association (DATA) held its 26th Anniversary Celebration and Awards Ceremony at the Hilton Washington Dulles Airport Hotel (13869 Park Center Road in Herndon) to recognize employers and individuals who are committed to improving mobility throughout the region.

Supporting Friendly, Instant, Sympathetic Help
Herndon-Reston FISH hosts annual fundraiser.
Most guests at the annual Herndon-Reston FISH Fling Saturday, May 19 were already familiar with the work done by Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help. George Buckfield of Centreville wasn’t very familiar, but it didn’t take long into dinner for him to realize their impact.

Opening Doors for People in Need
FACETS celebrates volunteers, donors at annual benefit breakfast.
Surrounded by nearly 350 business executives, politicians and community leaders in the chandeliered ballroom of the Waterford, Frank Somers - dressed in jeans, sneakers and a denim work shirt - looked a little out of place.

Art Fair at McNair Elementary
On May 8, McNair Elementary in Herndon, hosted an Art Fair for grades K-6. Students’ artwork was displayed in matted frames, and hung in the library.

Game On
George Mason University students develop video games aimed at curtailing gang recruitment in Virginia.
Law enforcement officials now have two unlikely weapons in the fight against gang activity in Virginia: video games and college students.

Bull Riding Comes to Frying Pan Park
On Saturday April 28, the Friends of Frying Pan Park, in partnership with the Fairfax County Park Authority, sponsored a professional Bull Riding Event at Frying Pan’s Indoor Arena. Dozens of bulls and riders entertained a sold-out crowd of 1,200 fans with their feats of athleticism.