Fire Displaces Family
<bt>A two-alarm fire Tuesday, Nov. 25, at about 10:50 p.m., displaced two adults and three children from their home at 1209 Bicksler Court in the Herndon area. First arriving Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department units reported fire showing from the two-story home. A second alarm was dispatched to the scene due to the intensity of the fire.
It took about 45 minutes to extinguish and there were no reported injures. Damage is estimated at $200,000. Fire investigators have ruled the fire accidental, due to the failure of the metal zero clearance fireplace assembly.
The American Red Cross is assisting the family.
<sh>Tree Lighting Downtown
<bt>The Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce will present the annual Holiday Tree Lighting and Sing-Along Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5-6 p.m., on the Town Square in downtown Herndon.
The Herndon High School band will be on hand to lead carolers in traditional holiday songs, and candles and song sheets will be distributed to everyone. Mayor Rick Thoesen will officially light the town's tree.
Barbara Harding, a long-time resident, will be on hand with her accordion to lead the children in song around the lit tree. Santa will arrive on a fire truck, delivering candy to children of all ages.
<sh>Scrooge
<bt>The Elden Street Players, Herndon Parks and Recreation Department and the Herndon Towne Square Singers will present "Scrooge," Dec. 12-14, at the Herndon Community Center, 814 Ferndale Ave.
The musical, based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," is directed by Melody Fetske, with musical direction by Jean Goldsby. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday; 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday; and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $12 for general admission and $6 for children 10 and under. Discount tickets are available for groups of 20 or more. To purchase tickets in advance, call 703-481-5930 or visit the Community Center.
<sh>FISH Seeks Donations
<bt>The Herndon-Reston FISH (Friendly Instant Sympathetic Help) is collecting money, toys and non-perishable food items for Christmas baskets to be donated to needy local families. Each family also receives a $10 gift certificate from a local store to be used to buy a turkey or other meat. Each child receives several toys. This year FISH needs additional toys for children ages 11-13.
Non-perishable food donations can be dropped off at United Christian Parish Church at 2222 Colts Neck Road, Reston, or at the Bargain Loft at 336 Victory Drive, Herndon. Donations such as peanut butter, cake mixes, cereals, juices, stuffing mix, canned corn and tomatoes would be greatly appreciated. The baskets will be assembled at the United Christian Parish Church on Dec. 15-17, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Distribution will only be on Dec. 18 at the church, from 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to assist with delivery of the baskets. Anyone wishing to volunteer should call 703-860-8804 or 703-471-9024. Check donations can be made payable to Herndon-Reston FISH, 336 Victory Drive, Herndon, VA 20170. All donations are tax deductible since FISH is a 501(c)3 organization.
<sh>LINK Holiday Program
<bt>LINK is asking for donations of non-perishable food items, $10-$25 grocery store gift certificates and new toys and gifts for children of all ages for needy families in the Herndon, Sterling and Ashburn areas. An estimated 350 families (1,500 people) are projected to receive Christmas Baskets this year.
LINK's annual Christmas Basket program kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 20 with events taking place from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Christ the Redeemer Catholic in Sterling (groceries) and Herndon United Methodist in Herndon (toys and gifts).
Volunteers can register and families can qualify for groceries, food certificates and toys by calling the LINK Hot Line at 703-437-1776.
<sh>Town Calendar
<bt>Wednesday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m.
Community charette on the design of the Runnymede Park Nature Center and other park improvements. Herndon Town Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Thursday, Dec. 4, 7 p.m.
Herndon Community Association Coalition meeting. Fortnightly Library, 768 Center St.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.- 5 p.m.
Annual Herndon Homes Tour.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 5 p.m.
Lighting of Town Holiday Tree, Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce sing-a-long. Town Hall.
Tuesday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m.
Town Council regular session. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m.
ARB/HPRB work session. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Monday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m.
ARB/HPRB public hearing. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Thursday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.
Board of Zoning Appeals. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Monday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission work session. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Wednesday, Dec. 24
Town offices close at noon; Community Center open 6 a.m.-4 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 25
Town offices and Community Center closed.
Friday, Dec. 26, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Community Center open.