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Mercia Hobson

Stories by Mercia

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Contracted Locally, Makers Sew 45,000 Face Masks

New jobs for unemployed and new revenue stream for nonprofit.

Unthinkable scenarios happened in early March. The COVID-19 pandemic hurled itself into Northern Virginia; small and large businesses shuttered and unemployment rates escalated.

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Black Lives Matter Banner Stolen from Reston Church

Theft reported Juneteenth 2020.

A large banner reading Black Lives Matter was reported stolen along with its supporting posts on Juneteenth 2020 from church grounds of the Unitarian Universalist Church Reston.

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Don't Touch the Veggies in Herndon

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines in place as Herndon Farmers Market reopens.

The 2020 Herndon Farmers Market, operated under Fairfax County Park Authority, opened for the season later than normal, not on the usual third Thursday in April, but on June 18.

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Scenario 1, 2 or 3: What Will It Be in Fairfax County?

2020-21 school plans presented to the County School Board.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) presented their preliminary recommendations for the 2020-21 school year to the Fairfax County School Board on Monday, June 15, during its work session.

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Change Through Communal Voice

Local high school students join Black Lives Matter movement.

Leaders of Change Coalition held a Black Lives Matter March in front of the Herndon Municipal Center Sunday, June 7.

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Obituary: A Life Well-Lived

Robert A. Shawn of Herndon dies shortly after 100th birthday.

Robert A. Shawn passed away at home on Sunday, May 24, 2020. Born May 6, 1920, "Colonel Bob" celebrated his 100th birthday two and half weeks before his passing.

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A Series of Fortunate Events in Herndon

Serendipity scores for a print school newspaper.

When Michael Wemyss, Herndon High School Class of 2020, sat down on day one in his junior year journalism class, he assumed that the course focused on the school yearbook.

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Herndon, Reston Communities Protest Against Racial Injustice and Police Brutality

Thousands take to local streets and sidewalks in solidarity.

"We need to take this moment and make it our moment. We need to use our breath for those who have no breath," said Rev. Dr. Debra W. Haffner of Unitarian Universalist Church in Reston.

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Fairfax County Police Department Officer Charged with Assault Against Community Member

Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Police Chief: ‘These acts are unacceptable.’

"The body-worn camera video I am releasing shows a Fairfax County police officer deploying force in violation of our use of force policies … They are criminal acts which violate our oath of office, and they ignore the sanctity of human life," said Colonel Edwin C. Roessler Jr., Fairfax County Police Chief, the day after one of his officers deployed an "electronic control weapon," multiple times on an African American male who did not appear to be a threat.

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A Call to End ‘White Silence’

Demonstrators converge at Public Safety Headquarters in Fairfax.

After seven days of nationwide protests, escalating riots and looting by some in the fallout from the death of African-American George Floyd while being arrested by a white officer in Minneapolis, Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) Northern Virginia held protests at two northern Virginia police headquarters.

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Let’s Get This Right: Mask Up NOVA

It’s Phase One and Executive Order 63 for Northern Virginia’s reopening.

On May 29, The Northern Virginia Regional Commission announced that it produced a Public Service Announcement emphasizing the importance of wearing a face mask in public indoor spaces.

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Honoring Fallen ‘in a Smaller Way’ in Herndon, Reston Area

Memorial Day 2020

Michael Cutler is 2nd Vice Commander and Avenue of Flags coordinator at The Wayne M. Kidwell American Legion Post 184 Herndon-Reston. In preparation for Memorial Day Observances, he and others usually gathered at dawn at Chestnut Grove Cemetery in the Town of Herndon. In two-person teams, in all types of weather, Veterans and volunteers dropped poles into the ground. Then they raised the 64 casket flags in their care donated by families of interred veterans, creating an Avenue of Flags, a patriotic feature flanking the entrance into the cemetery: 2020 was different.

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Fairfax County School Board Celebrates Class of 2020

Superintendent Scott Brabrand releases Board decisions.

Superintendent Scott Brabrand dashed any remaining hopes of summer in-person commencement ceremonies for the Class of 2020. After receiving results from high school students and parents on his Survey on Graduation Preferences, Brabrand said the School Board agreed on his recommended approach. They committed to celebrating the seniors "in the safest and most personalized manner possible."

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Fairfax County School Board Considers Fall 2020 Options

Three back-to-school scenarios presented.

What might school look like to children in Fairfax County Public Schools this fall — remote learning or social distance learning with masks and temperature checks? Which students would schools bring back first — the older ones or most vulnerable? And what might students face when they get there — a climb back to grade level or multi-age classes?

Fairfax County Supervisors Approve Budget Plan, Fairfax RISE

Highlights of May 12 Board of Supervisors meeting.

Some of the first words Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said at the May 12 Board of Supervisors meeting were for county families; in particular, those who lost loved ones or had family members hospitalized with the coronavirus. "If we could keep them and their entire families in our thoughts and prayers," McKay said. "As a reminder, our County flag continues to fly at half-staff, throughout the County at our facilities, in honor of the residents who sadly died as a result of COVID-19 and in recognition of our many essential workers who are responding to the pandemic," he said.

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A Click Worth $40K for South Lakes High School Senior

Awarded ‘Opportunity Scholarship’ in monthly drawing.

One little click set Imani Irons of Herndon and senior at South Lakes High School in Reston on a path that eventually led her to be among 25 students who, after completing six key college planning steps, each at valued dollars, the College Board awarded $40,000 in its chance Opportunity Scholarships Program.

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Remediate, Demo then Build in Herndon

Comstock edges toward redevelopment of Historic Herndon.

Comstock Herndon Venture LC has yet to ink its purchase of 4.675 acres of town-owned land in the Herndon Historic District after it and the Town signed a Comprehensive Agreement approximately two and a half years ago for the Herndon Downtown Redevelopment Project, a partnership between the Town and Comstock Herndon Venture LC.

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Hunkered Down to Opening Up in Virginia

Northern Virginia leaders urge regional approach to reopening state.

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Northern Virginia Reopening Should Occur When Metrics Met

Regional mayors and chairs send letter to Gov. Northam.

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Col. ‘Bob’ Honored in Herndon on 100th Birthday

Drive-by birthday parade for centenarian, retired fighter pilot Col. Robert A. Shawn.

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‘Don't Forget About Us’ in Fairfax County

County supervisors hold public budget hearings.

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Herndon Cares, Deliciously

First Baptist Church of Herndon spearheads a new program.

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Mourning the Passing of Darryl “Smitty” C. Smith, Sr.

Herndon and Purcellville Police Departments say goodbye to the man with a big heart.

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Fairfax County’s Sparse Budget Proposal

Supervisor Alcorn holds the second budget town hall.

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Who Earned the F in Best Practices?

Distance Learning goes awry for FCPS.

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Covering Fairfax County Concerns

Twitter Q & A with Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

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Herndon Sci-Fi and Fantasy Author Wins International Contest

It's 'The Voice' for amateur writers.

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Not the Same, But Life Goes On at Frying Pan Farm Park

Park closed to visitors.

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Tapping Into Kindness in Herndon and Reston

SLHS PTSA Food Pantry distributes to its students and their families.

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Revised Fairfax County Budget Reflects Pandemic Realities

County's updated budget proposal strikes millions in planned disbursements.

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Fairfax County Schools Pivot to Distance Learning

Students, parents, teachers, administrators, school board members reflect on new realities.

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Mobilizing Differently for Food for Neighbors in Herndon

Fill a Virtual Red Bag, it transforms to real food.

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Coalition to Fairfax County: Reduce Number of Inmates

County responds to NOVA Equity Agenda Coalition initiative.

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Lacking Face Masks and Face Shields

Doing their part during PPE supply shortages.

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The Signboard in Herndon

Stay home, wash up, social distance, and mask up.

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Going on a Bear Hunt During COVID-19 in Herndon

But, there's barely any bears!

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Amazon Gives $1 Million Locally to Fight the Impact of COVID-19

The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia Awards Block Grants.

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Plan C For Bride and Groom in Herndon

Life and love amid coronavirus.

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Helping as Many as They Can in Herndon

Food for Neighbors revamps to offer drive-thru and walk-up distribution.

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Arts Herndon Calls for Rainbows of Hope During Pandemic

A sidewalk in the U.K. with a child's chalk drawing is the inspiration.

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Viewpoints: Navigating COVID-19

From an elderly man to a state senator.

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Under the Shadow of COVID-19

Hospital, ministry, charity, and funeral home respond to the new reality.

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Global to Local: Coronavirus Defines Us

Week Two 03/15-03/21– feeding children is priority for FCPS.

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Opinion: Commentary: ‘Our Priority Is to Save Lives’

Governor Northam orders statewide closure of certain non-essential businesses: all public and private schools K-12 closed for the rest of the academic year.

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Small Acts of Kindness in Herndon: Won't You Be My Neighbor?

Five individuals receive Town of Herndon Good Neighbor Award.

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Fairfax County Supervisors Approve Issuance of Declaration of Emergency

Resolution empowers County Executive to make decisions.

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Global to Local: This Is Not a Test

Week one: 03/09-03/15: COVID-19 pandemic hits the area.

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Reston Hospital Center Designated Level II Trauma Center

Crashes to gunshot wounds: Trained staff and equipment have you covered 24/7.

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2020 Hunter Mill District Paving and Restriping

Pedestrians, cyclists, drivers voice concern over road conditions.

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