Teen Convicted for Gang Participation
<bt>A 16-year-old Herndon boy has successful been convicted of assault and prohibited criminal street gang participation, marking the first time an individual has been charged with the gang participation violation in Herndon.
The teen was found guilty of taking part in an assault, with three other suspects, on a 14-year-old June 12 in the 800 block of Ferndale Avenue.
The gang participation charge increased the penalty for the conviction from a Class 1 misdemeanor to a Class 5 felony — raising the possible sentence from a maximum of up to 12 months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500 to a maximum of up to 10 years in prison and up to a $2,500 fine.
In a press release, Herndon Police Chief Toussaint Summers Jr. said, "Our state legislators have recognized the seriousness of gang violence and gang-related crimes through the enactment of stiffer penalties. Let this be a warning that gang violence or any gang-related crime will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We want to remove this type of criminal from our society for a long time."
<sh>Finance Committee Meeting
<bt>The next meeting of the finance ad-hoc committee will be Tuesday, Sept. 23, 6:15 p.m., in the Council Chambers conference room, 765 Lynn St.
For more information regarding the meeting, contact Mary K. Tuohy, director of finance, through e-mail, mary.tuohy@town.herndon.va.us or by calling 703-435-6898.
<sh>Poker Run
<bt>The Fraternal Order of Police Greater Herndon Lodge 64 will be holding the F.O.P. Poker Run 2003, Saturday, Sept. 27, beginning at 9 a.m., at the Herndon Police Department, 1481 Sterling Road.
Participants will ride along a predesignated route stretching approximately 100 miles and stopping at specific locations during the trip. At those locations, F.O.P. representatives will have decks of playing cards from which the participants will draw a card. At the end of the route, the person with the best poker hand wins a prize.
The cost is $15 per person, $5 for additional hands. A portion of the proceeds benefit Heroes Inc., Honor Every Responsible Officer's Eternal Sacrifice, which benefits the families of fallen police officers and firefighters. Price includes one raffle ticket, coffee, donuts, bagels, refreshments and lunch.
To preregister, mail check to Herndon FOP, Lodge 64, 1481 Sterling Road, Herndon, VA 20170. Registration will also be available at the event. For more information, contact either Det. Kevin Nuckolls, Cpl. Jim Moore or PFC Dave Patterson at 703-435-6846.
<sh>Nature Fest
<bt>The Town of Herndon will be holding Nature Fest 2003 Sunday, Sept. 21, from 1-5 p.m., at Runnymede Park, located on Herndon Parkway between Elden Street and Dranesville Road.
The event will include an opportunity to explore the web of life, nature stations with artifacts, live animals, displays and games. For more information or to volunteer, contact the town naturalist at 703-435-6800 ext. 2113.
Parking is limited so visitors are asked to carpool, walk or bike. A shuttle bus and satellite parking will be available at the Atrium Building, 381 Elden St.
<sh>Combating Teen Cruelty
<bt>Cheryl Dellasega, author of "Girl Wars" and "Surviving Ophelia," will speak on how to stop girls from hurting each other. No matter the age of one's daughter, come and learn how to find effective solutions to cruel behaviors. Join Mothers of Youth at 10 a.m., Oct. 1 in the new Sully Police Station community room located at 4900 Stonecroft Blvd. (between Westfields and Willard Road). The cost is $10. A light breakfast will be provided. RSVP: MothersofYouth@aol.com
<sh>Town Calendar
<bt>Thursday, Sept. 18, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Farmers' Market. Station Street Parking Lot.
Saturday, Sept. 20, approximately 1-10 p.m.
Eighth Annual Virginia Showcase of Bands, marching band competition. Herndon High School, 700 Bennett St. For more information, visit the Web site, www.herndonband.org.
Sunday, Sept. 21, 1-5 p.m.
Nature Fest. Runnymede Park. Herndon Parkway between Elden Street and Dranesville Road.
Monday, Sept. 22, 7 p.m.
Planning Commission work session. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Tuesday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m.
Town Council regular session. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.
Thursday, Sept. 25, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Farmers' Market. Station Street Parking Lot.
Thursday, Sept. 25, 7:30 p.m.
Board of Zoning Appeals. Herndon Council Chambers, 765 Lynn St.